Hi! I’m Elisa Marae Spurlock, 17 years old and proudly from Lapu-Lapu City. I’m currently studying ABM at Proverbs Ville Academy Foundation Inc. I advocate for anti-bullying because I believe in creating safe and empowering spaces for others. I also have a deep passion for art, both traditional and digital, which allows me to express myself creatively. In the future, I hope to become a flight attendant to explore the world and experience the beauty of different cultures.
- What does beauty mean to you, and how do you see it in others?
Beauty, to me, is authenticity, when someone is true to who they are and treats others with kindness. I see beauty in the way people smile, in how they lift others up, and in how they choose love and compassion in a world that sometimes lacks both.
- If you could give one message to young girls growing up today, what would it be?
Believe in your worth even when the world tries to question it. you are enough, smart enough, beautiful enough, strong enough. never let comparison steal your joy.
- How do you balance self-confidence with humility?
I remind myself that confidence is knowing your value, while humility is remembering others have value too. I stand tall, but I also stay grounded, always open to learning and lifting others as I rise.
- In a world that often promotes external perfection, how do you maintain inner peace?
I find peace in reminding myself that perfection is an illusion. I focus on progress, not perfection, through prayer, drawing, and surrounding myself with people who love me for who I am inside.
- What personal quality are you most proud of, and how has it shaped your life?
I am proud of my resilience. life has not always been easy, but I have learned to rise after every fall. that strength has helped me chase my dreams, face criticism with grace, and keep going when things get tough.
- if you had one year and unlimited resources to help your community, what would you do?
if I had one year and unlimited resources, I would start a strong anti-bullying campaign in schools and online. I would create safe spaces where young people can speak up, be heard, and feel supported. I would provide free counseling, training for teachers and parents, and organize events that promote kindness, respect, and inclusion. because I believe no one deserves to feel small just to make someone else feel big.
- Describe a moment when you failed — and what it taught you about yourself.
There was a time in my life when I felt like I failed because I let the words of bullies affect how I saw myself. I started to believe I was not good enough. but eventually, I realized that their words did not define me, my strength did. that experience taught me the power of self love and standing up for myself, and now I speak out to help others who feel the same way.
- Who is a woman you admire deeply, and why?
A woman I admire deeply is my mother. she may not wear a crown or have awards, but to me, she is the strongest and most beautiful woman in the world. I have seen her smile through pain, give even when she had nothing left for herself, and love without expecting anything in return. she taught me what it means to be kind, to be brave, and to never give up, no matter how hard life gets. I admire her not just for what she has done, but for who she is, my hero, my safe place, my home.
- If you could change one thing in the world right now, what would it be — and why?
if I could change one thing in the world right now, it would be to prevent the possibility of another world war. war only brings pain, division, and destruction. I believe in peace, understanding, and unity among nations, because true progress can only happen when we work together, not against each other.
- What kind of person do you think does well in the pageant?
Someone who leads with heart, not ego. a woman who is not just beautiful, but also passionate, kind, and ready to represent something bigger than herself.
- Tell us about a time something amazing happened during a pageant?
During miss mandaue 2025, one of my fellow candidates was crying backstage because she was nervous and had a lot going on. I comforted her, gave her words of encouragement, and reminded her how capable she was. she went on to become first runner up and during her QNA, she mentioned me and how I helped her. that moment reminded me that true pageantry is not just about competition, it is about sisterhood.
- What do you dream of doing in the future, still in pageant world or not?
I dream of becoming a role model to young girls, especially to my younger sister. whether that is through pageantry, education, or community work. I want to use my voice and experience to inspire others to believe in themselves and that no matter how thick the storm, you have to learn to dance with the rain.
