Justine Tarah Marie Valencia, 22, of Barangay Lower Quirino-Magsaysay, Baguio City, Philippines is an alumna of the University of Baguio. She graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in tourism and travel services management with a specialization in international tourism.

Miss Baguio 2023

On August 26, 2023, Valencia and University of Baguio senior high school graduate Janah Rhyl Lumidao, 18, of Barangay Loakan Proper competed against 16 other Miss Baguio 2023 candidates at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center in Baguio City. Lumidao received the highest score from the judges and won the title.

Ranking second, Valencia was crowned Miss Baguio Turismo 2023. She also won the Best in Long Gown, Best in Swimwear and Miss Photogenic awards.

As Miss Baguio 2023, Lumidao was expected to be Baguio City’s Miss Universe Philippines 2024 candidate. But on February 2, 2024, Valencia was officially appointed Miss Universe Baguio 2024.

Miss Universe Philippines 2024

The date and venue of the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 coronation ceremony have yet to be announced. More than 40 candidates are expected to compete for the crown.

Among Valencia’s fellow candidates are Victoria Velasquez Vincent, 28, of Bacoor, Cavite; Alexie Mae Brooks, 23, of Iloilo City; and Maria Ahtisa Rodriguez Manalo, 26, of Quezon Province. Manalo is Miss International 2018 first runner-up.

Vincent represented Cavite at Miss Universe Philippines 2021. She ranked third and was crowned Miss Universe Philippines Charity 2021.

Ghenesis Latugat, now 23, represented Baguio City at Miss Universe Philippines 2022. She finished in the Top 10.

Krishnah Marie Gravidez, now 23, represented Baguio City at Miss Universe Philippines 2023. She ranked third and was crowned Miss Charm Philippines 2024.

Baguio City

Nestled high within the Cordillera mountain range of Northern Luzon, Baguio City serves as the Philippines’ celebrated Summer Capital. Rising to an elevation of approximately 1,500 meters, this highland retreat offers a refreshing escape from the tropical heat of the lowlands, with temperatures rarely exceeding 26°C.

Originally known as Kafagway by the indigenous Ibaloi people, the city was developed by the Americans in the early 1900s as a hill station. Today, it is widely recognized as the City of Pines for its lush, coniferous forests and foggy, panoramic vistas. Beyond its cool climate, the city is a vibrant melting pot of cultures, acting as a major educational and commercial hub for the Cordillera Administrative Region.

Visitors flock to the city for its iconic attractions, including the serene Burnham Park, the historical grounds of Camp John Hay, and the colorful Panagbenga Flower Festival held every February.