Miss Cebu 2025 Candidate #9 Maijezel Sarcol, 20

CEBU, Philippines — Coming from a family of nurses, Maijezel Sarcol initially pursued a degree in physical therapy to “change things up.” It soon dawned on her that nursing was truly her calling.

“I came to realize that I wanted to do something more generalized,” she said. “Physical therapy felt too specific, while nursing allows me to be exposed to all kinds of people and explore various avenues.”

Her passion for helping and being hands-on in her work solidified her decision. “There’s no more shifting for me. I have really found my passion,” declared the Fil-American, who aims to graduate by 2027 the earliest.

If she were in Cebu City Mayor Raymond Garcia’s shoes, Sarcol would prioritize improving the city’s healthcare system.

“Health is the epitome of life. To improve Cebu City as a whole, we must start with healthcare,” she explained. “It’s about addressing the basics, tackling problems at their root, and ensuring accessible healthcare and support through counseling.”

Growing up in an Asian-centric community in Los Angeles, USA, Sarcol described it as an environment where she felt safe. But she occasionally encountered microaggressions when visiting major cities like San Diego or San Francisco.

When she moved to Cebu, she was caught off guard by the differences in cultural values.

“California is a Democrat state, so I’m used to a liberal culture. Moving to the Philippines, I had to adapt to a more conservative environment,” she shared to The FREEMAN.

One striking contrast she observed was how reserved her peers tended to be, particularly when it came to raising concerns.

“Asking questions here can be challenging for many,” she noted. “I’ve encouraged my friends to try asking questions, especially in classes, because, at the end of the day, you learn more when you ask.”

Reflecting on her dual identity as a Fil-Am, Sarcol admitted that it took time to fully embrace her multicultural upbringing.

“At first, it was difficult to navigate being both Filipino and American. But regardless of how much time I’ve spent in the States or in the Philippines, or even if someone says I don’t look like a traditional Filipino, it doesn’t diminish my Filipino identity or the Cebuano side of me,” she said.

“It’s about overcoming that insecurity and learning more about the culture, heritage, and politics here. The fact that I am actively working to understand who I am truly makes me Filipino enough.”