Kiwi-Irish-Filipino architect and heritage conservationist Victoria Velasquez Vincent, 28, is making a comeback in beauty pageants. Currently in Bacoor, Cavite, Philippines, she is preparing for the fifth edition of Miss Universe Philippines.

Born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand, Vincent is an alumna of the University of Auckland in Auckland. Her father is Irish while her mother Josephine Martinez Velasquez Vincent is Filipino.

Josephine hails from Bacoor. When Victoria was a little girl, she and her family visited their Filipino relatives in the city.

In 1999, Victoria was rescued from a kidnapper at a market in Molino, Bacoor. On March 5, 2021, she visited that market for the first time since she was kidnapped there as a little girl.

On May 6, 2020, Victoria graduated from the University of Auckland with double master’s degrees in architecture and heritage conservation. On September 30, 2021, she represented Cavite at Miss Universe Philippines 2021 and competed against 27 other finalists at the Henann Resort Convention Center at the Alona Beach in Panglao, Bohol, Philippines. 

It was Beatrice Luigi Gomez of Cebu City, Philippines who won the title. Victoria ranked third and was crowned Miss Universe Philippines Charity 2021.

Shortly after Miss Universe Philippines 2021, Victoria was offered an opportunity to represent New Zealand at Miss Universe 2021. She gave herself a week to think about it before politely declining.

A total of 80 women competed for the Miss Universe 2021 crown in Eilat, Israel on December 13, 2021. New Zealand was not represented.

It was Harnaaz Sandhu of India who won the title. Gomez finished in the Top 5 while Nguyễn Huỳnh Kim Duyên of Vietnam, Nandita Banna of Singapore and Juri Watanabe finished in the Top 16.

From 2022 to 2023, Victoria split her time between the Philippines, New Zealand and Australia. On February 1, 2024, she was officially appointed Miss Universe Bacoor 2024.

In May 2024, Victoria will represent Bacoor at Miss Universe Philippines 2024. She is expected to compete against 50 other candidates in Metro Manila.