Philippines’ Pride: Sugar Mercado Steps Onto the Global Stage at Mrs. Universe 2025
SUGAR MERCADO – Former S*xBomb Girls member Sugar Mercado joins Mrs. Universe 2025 in Manila, proving that motherhood and ambition can go hand in hand.
Sugar Mercado is entering the international pageant scene as she gears up to represent the Philippines in the upcoming Mrs. Universe 2025 competition. The event, which honors the accomplishments and advocacies of married women, will be held in Manila this October and is expected to feature over 100 participants from across the globe.
At 38, Mercado announced the milestone through an emotional Instagram post, where she expressed her deep appreciation and dedicated the moment to her children. She thanked the organizers for seeing her potential, saying she is grateful for the opportunity to become a queen even as a mother.
She also gave a heartfelt shoutout to the people behind her journey—talent manager Wilbert Tolentino, beauty queen Mary Letim, influencer Madam Inutz, and celebrity Herlene “Hipon Girl” Budol. Mercado noted that both encouragement and criticism played a role in pushing her forward, and she credited God for guiding her every step of the way.
In addition to securing the main title, Mercado stood out by earning special honors such as the Strongest Photo Award and Darling of the Press—recognitions that further boosted her presence in the competition.
Mercado first gained popularity in the late 1990s as a founding member of the SexBomb Girls, a beloved Filipino dance group, and later carved out a successful career in television. Her name returned to headlines recently after she confirmed a previously denied seven-year relationship with TV host Willie Revillame, sparking renewed public interest.
Now stepping into the global spotlight, Sugar Mercado is not only bringing pride to the Philippines but also inspiring women everywhere by proving that motherhood and ambition can go hand in hand.