Monique Cantalejo Rivera and Christine Escalante were crowned Mrs. Universe Asia & Mrs. Universe Australasia respectively during the finals of Mrs. Universe Australia 2021 pageant.

Unable to fly to Australia to compete in the face-to-face pageant due travel restrictions brought about by COVID-19, Christine and Monique joined the coronation night virtually.

Prior to the finals, they submitted several pageant requirements such as talent, tourism, long gown and advocacy videos. They also underwent virtual interviews initiated by the organizers headed by Mrs. Universe Australia CEO Maryrose Salubre. As they were announced winners in Australia, their official sashing and crowning was being simultaneously held in the Philippines.

Crowning Rivera is Elite Mrs. Philippines International Michelle Vitug Encarnacion 2019 together with Bb. Pilipinas 2021 finalist Patrizia Garcia. She also received two special awards - Mrs. Aura Universe and Mrs. Universe Ambassador.

The awards were given by Ms. Bennilyn Amigo-Molina of Aura Wellness and Beauty, Roxanne Rox Velasco of Rox Fragrances & Janna Dominguez of Skinfinite. Meanwhile, Escalante was crowned by Ms. L - CEO of LaL’or, Seduction and Hygeia together with Director Erwina Arguelles. Her two special awards - Mrs. Universe Ambassador and Mrs. Australasia Official - were handed out by Ms. Mich Elle Lucas and Ms. L. Rivera. Escalante’s titles allow her to compete in the 2022 Mrs. Universe Official international pageant in September 2022 in Australia

Monique Cantalejo Rivera, 39, is an epitome of charm, grace and innate beauty that radiates from within.

This loving wife to husband Joven V. Rivera and dedicated mother to Nicoh Jovelyn and Johan Patrick is a self-made successful entrepreneur, volunteer worker for disadvantage children and youth.

Together they managed and owned a resort in Laguna, proprietor of a medical supplies and equipment business and an active volunteer of Onessimo Foundation, a private organization that caters to the welfare and development of at risk and disadvantage children and youth. Monique and Joven married for more than 13 years now, Monique and Joven have two kids - Nicoh Jovelyn and Johan Patrick.

Beneath her admirable qualities was a story of faith, determination and will power to succeed that will re-ignite inspirations and hope in these trying times.

Becoming a beauty queen was a childhood dream and aspirations for Monique, a middle child and the only girl in the brood of five. But misfortune brought about by the closing down of their family-owned business forced her to postpone her aspirations.

Hardship and poverty are a stark reality, so poor that she can’t even afford to buy a Skyflakes to ease hunger pangs.

Instead of wallowing in self-pity and apathy, Monique took upon herself to gather strength, motivation and unwavering faith in God. She took on odd but dignified jobs that helped her family to survive and get by and support her studies. She was once a ticket-seller at Enchanted Kingdom and was asked to play the role of a “Princess” on that famous amusement theme park.

A “working princess by day” and a diligent student at night, Monique was able to finish her four-year college course at the Laguna College of Business and Arts and even helped her siblings in their schooling.

Her becoming a beauty queen was somehow realized when she joined Beautiful Girl on "Eat Bulaga" in 2002 and eventually won as Dream Girl 2nd runner-up. She met her husband also a self-made man who worked himself up to become an electrical engineer.

Perseverance and determination finally paid off. Looking back, Monique is forever grateful to her mother who has a great influence on her, who provided her unconditional love and support, guidance and values that helped her navigate all the trials and adversities in life.

In 2018, she was proclaimed Mrs. Laguna that earned her the right to compete at the 2018 Mrs. International in Singapore. She won the title of Mrs. South East Asia. That experience made her realize that a title and crown can be a good platform to influence others towards a worthy cause.

When an opportunity to be involved in volunteer charity initiative at Onessimo Foundation, a private organization for the welfare of disdavantage and “at risk” children and youth, she gladly embraced the idea and become an active volunteer and leading advocate of children’s welfare and development and become passionate about it.

Christine Esalante, 33, is a businesswoman who owns BPO and construction companies. She has three children.

Escalante also heads the League of Empowered Women (LEW), and vice-president of Wanita Filipina, respectively. These organizations are aimed at uplifting the social and economic conditions of marginalized women in the country.

She is also a part-time freelance commercial model, and an aspiring movie star, alum of prestigious acting workshops from ABS-CBN, and Balintataw Film and Theater Arts handled by Sydney-based tutor Mars D. Cavestany, PhD, and director George Vail Kabristante, including Ogie Diaz's Talent Center.

"My debut film project in-progress is a re-imagination of the biopic of Filipino hero Macario Sakay. I play the female lead to Robin Padilla. I also co-host a lifestyle and entertainment show at TV31- ATC International with the secretary of KDPP director Erwena Arguelles," she said.