Alexie Brooks’ victory in the Miss Eco International 2025 pageant was nothing short of groundbreaking. Not only was she the first black woman to represent the Philippines in the global tilt, she was also the first black winner in the contest’s 10-year run.

The Ilonggo national athlete has championed authenticity in an industry that many have come to associate with cosmetic enhancements and invasive body treatments, all intended to bend women to adhere to certain beauty standards.

Brooks captured the title in ceremonies held at the Al Zahraa Ballroom of Hilton Green Plaza in Alexandria, Egypt, on April 19 (April 20 in Manila), inheriting it from last year’s winner, the Ukrainian Angelina Usanova.

Before her, the Philippines posted victories courtesy of Cynthia Thomalla, who is part German, in 2018 and Kathleen Paton, who is part Australian, in 2022. Brooks is of African American heritage.

Representation

“What’s really important there is representation,” the new queen told CoverStory. “When I was joining, I thought it would be a disadvantage [because] I was different. But I made sure that I was real to my self, I was authentic to my skin. And I made sure that I’m genuine.”

Brooks arrived back in the country on Monday evening, April 21, just a little over a day after claiming her victory in Egypt. She was welcomed by Miss Universe Philippines executive vice president Voltaire Tayag at the airport, where she also spoke with some members of the media.

“When people see that you’re genuine, then you will realize that skin really doesn’t matter when winning a competition, or the texture of your hair, or the places where you came from. It’s from the heart talaga (really),” she said.

When she went live on social media hours before the final competition, Brooks confirmed that she would not wear a wig, and would showcase her natural buzz-cut afro curls, explaining to her fans that the people in Egypt appreciate her authentic self.

“I’m really happy that I won. I represented my people well. I represented the kids who are scared of joining because they thought they’re not the pageant stereotype,” she said.

“It’s not about the stereotype, at the end of the day,” she continued. “It’s just about who you are and what you want. And if it’s bigger than your self, then you will achieve bigger things.”

Sisterhood

Brooks also appealed to warring pageant fans from different countries to foster a healthy atmosphere. “We have different perceptions of beauty. We have a different understanding of things. But at the end of the day, a pageant is really a sisterhood. It’s a celebration of women, and empowerment of women,” she said, adding:

“My beauty is different. Other girls’ beauty is different. But it doesn’t mean that they’re better than someone else, or they’re lesser than someone else.”  

The Philippines not only has the most winners in the Egypt-based international competition. The country’s impressive record also includes three women who finished second in their respective contests—Maureen Montagne in 2019, Kelley Day in 2021, and Chantal Schmidt in 2024.

As Miss Eco International, Brooks will serve as an ambassador of sustainability by promoting the United Nations’ SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) for 2030.