Miss Universe Philippines 2024 candidate Matea Mahal Smith joins Miss Florida USA

After representing the Filipino community in Florida at the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 pageant, Matea Mahal Smith is now set to compete at the upcoming Miss Florida USA competition.

Matea announced this on her Instagram page, sharing her official headshot for the pageant.

“Not quite finished,” she said. “So excited to embark on this new journey.”

Matea will be representing her city, Coral Springs.

Matea received support from her Miss Universe Philippines batchmates, including the crowned queen, Chelsea Manalo.

“Go get it!!!” Chelsea commented on her post.

The Miss Florida USA 2024 coronation night is happening on July 7.

Last year, Matea won Miss Filipina International.

Matea is the youngest child and the only daughter of Seitu Smith and Mari Pantoja-Smith. Seitu is a high school math teacher of Jamaican descent who was born in Staten Island, New York and has a Master's degree in Education. Meanwhile, Mari is a Filipina who was born in Makati with family roots from Rizal. She has a nursing background and a Master's degree, and works as a digital strategist for the Mayo Clinic-Center for Digital Health.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Matea Mahal (@matea.mahal)

— Carby Basina/CDC, GMA Integrated News