Why being ‘Ate’ is Kris Janson’s new calling

CEBU, Philippines — As if Cebuanos weren’t already happy that Kris Tiffany Janson was the first to be called among the top ten finalists of Miss Universe Philippines (MUP) 2024 back in May, her response to a casual question about a secret she wanted to share from behind-the-scenes made her supporters beam with pride.

“A lot of girls called me ‘Ate’ or big sister. When I entered the pageant, I was curious about it and a bit shy when they’d call me ‘Ate’ because it revealed my age. But now I’m proud of it because they looked up to me and shared beautiful stories. That’s something I’m very proud of: your Ate is here,” she said on stage.

In an interview with The FREEMAN during a thanksgiving party for the Cebu delegates, Janson, 34, provided context behind her response.

“I was 14 when I started modeling, so I was always the youngest in the room. When I joined Miss Cebu in 2009, I was 18 and also the youngest candidate. Fifteen years later, in Miss Universe Philippines, I am now one of the oldest. I’d hear all the girls call me ‘Ate Kris,’ and I was confused,” she explained.

“I realized they were seeking comfort and felt more at ease when they found their Ate figure. They were looking for guidance, and maybe this was my calling: to be that figure for the other girls in the competition.”

It’s been nine years since Janson competed in Miss Intercontinental 2014 where she finished second runner-up. When the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) lifted its age restriction, it gave Janson another shot.

“I’m very grateful that Miss Universe lifted the age limit. Women no longer have to feel pressured. We can take our time and think about the future we want for ourselves,” she said.

While Janson entered MUP with a competitive mindset, she embraced being the big sister figure of her co-candidates.

“It became a driving force for me. While I was doing this for myself, it also became an awakening for others like me. We can do so much for ourselves if we set our minds to it and don’t let societal standards hold us back.”

When her name wasn’t called for the top five, Janson immediately thought of the plans she had put on hold for months.

“I started thinking, ‘Now I can plan trips with my family and start a business,’” she shared. “I think with age, you realize everything happens for a reason. I’ve learned the hard way that while we may not always get what we want, God gives us what we need.”

She did feel “a bit sad,” mostly for those who rooted for her. “There were a lot of people who came to support me. But I knew in my heart that I gave it my all. At that moment, it was the best I could give. What’s important to me is I leave the arena with no regrets.”

Striking while the iron is hot

Janson bonded with Bulacan’s bet and eventual Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo, as they were grouped alphabetically based on their cities for some activities. Describing Manalo as “one of the sweetest girls you could meet,” Janson recalled a moment when the nervous candidate sought reassurance from her.

“When the top ten was called and we were about to do our last walk, Chelsea was behind me saying she was nervous. I told her to calm down and take in the moment,” she said.

Janson believes it was fate that led Manalo to become the first Filipina Black woman to represent the Philippines at Miss Universe, which this year is taking place November 16 in Mexico.

“Chelsea is determined to make the Philippines proud, and she knows we’re all behind her. Whatever she needs, we’re here to support her. That’s the beauty of the Philippines – we go all out for our representative,” she said.

Acknowledging that Manalo was seen as the “dark horse” by pageant observers, Janson said, “A lot of pageant bloggers might agree with me that no matter how prepared or good-looking you are, or how hard you work, at the end of the day, whose stars align matters most. Winning the crown is 98 percent hard work and two percent destiny. It was Chelsea’s destiny to wear the crown that night.”

Enjoying life post-MUP, Janson spent time with family on a trip to Mindanao, reunited with relatives from the US, and received numerous gigs in Manila and Cebu. “Now is the perfect time to strike while the iron is hot and see how we can branch out following MUP,” she said.

If Janson becomes a mother, she said she will fully support her child’s interests. But when it comes to pageants, she has one condition for her future daughter: “She must finish school first. I got my degree before joining any national pageant.” — (FREEMAN)