Miss Cebu 2025 Candidate #2: Demi Hailey Dela Calzada, 20

CEBU, Philippines —  A Cebuana of Chinese and Spanish descent, Demi Hailey Dela Calzada grew up in a household influenced by European traditions.

“Whenever I am around Filipino friends, I am not used to the different lifestyles, food, and hobbies they enjoy. But as I got older, I became part of different communities that made me whole. I started to embrace and celebrate being different,” she shared.

Calzada is a marketing student by day and an executive representative by night. Her fascination with business began at a young age. “Whenever I see transaction [receipts], it gives me satisfaction knowing we can meet the demands of consumers,” she said.

Her family runs a fashion store, where she integrated her advocacy for fashion sustainability. “I wanted our products to not only be beautiful but sustainable as well,” she remarked.

“Contrary to popular belief, fashion isn’t all glitz and glamour. It has its flaws. I encouraged my parents to start sourcing organic materials instead of relying on mass-produced machinery. We focus on craftsmanship to promote local designers, ensuring all our products are handmade and provide job opportunities.”

Looking ahead to the upcoming midterm elections, these are the qualities she seeks in the next Cebu City mayor: passion for excellence, self-discipline, and social responsibility.

“They should be devoted to the people. To lead effectively, you must first be disciplined and set an example. We need someone who is socially aware, someone who will address the pressing issues and take action,” she explained.

“With these values in place, the next mayor can guide us toward a more progressive Cebu City in the years to come.”