‘Thank you for the light you shared’: Remembering beauty queen Sara Jane Paez-Santiago

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine pageant community paid tribute to Sara Jane Paez-Santiago on Thursday, January 15, after her family announced her passing. 

“While we grieve deeply, we find comfort in trusting that she is now in God’s loving care, at peace, and surrounded by light,” her family said in a social media post, noting that she died on Tuesday, January 13. She was 57. 

The cause of death wasn’t disclosed. 

Sara represented the country in the 1989 Miss Universe in Cancun, Mexico, where she’s fondly remembered as the Spanish-speaking beauty from the Philippines.

“She carried our country with grace and pride on the international stage, leaving a lasting mark in our pageant history,” Miss Universe Philippines said in a social media post.  

Sara earned the honor to compete in the world’s most prestigious beauty pageant after winning the Binibining Pilipinas crown in 1989.

“Thank you for the light you shared and the pride you brought to Binibini. You will always be remembered,” the local pageant said.

The University of the Philippines, where Sara graduated with a Speech Communication degree, noted how she “famously balanced the crown of Binibining Pilipinas Universe with the demanding life of a… scholar” in the Diliman campus.

“She was a woman who understood that beauty was a platform, but intellect was the foundation,” the UP College of Arts and Letters said. 

Her wake will be held until Sunday, January 18, at the Santuario de San Antonio Parish in Forbes Park, Makati.

“She exemplified grace, intelligence and dignity throughout her life and reign,” The Philippine Pageantry said. “Her legacy as a true Filipina queen will inspire future generations.” – Rappler.com