Joy Barcoma Says She Is Done w/ Pageantry & Her Reason May Surprise You
JOY BARCOMA – After years of embracing the pageant spotlight, Joy Barcoma appears ready to turn the page and pursue her advocacies beyond the crown.
Beauty queen and television host Joy Barcoma has revealed that she is ready to step away from the pageant world following her journey as Miss Earth Philippines in 2025.
According to a report by Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP) on Tuesday, August 18, Joy was asked whether she was considering joining Reina Filipinas. The question came while she was hosting the press conference for the Netflix film “Ganito, Ganyan, Ganoon.”
At first, Joy appeared to leave the possibility open, answering the question with humor. “Siguro kung may million na prize,” Joy said.
However, when she gave a more serious response, Joy made it clear that she no longer intends to compete in beauty pageants.
“Tapos na ako sa pageantry. Ayoko na,” she said.
She further explained that one common reason contestants give for joining pageants is the desire to use their platform and voice to advocate for causes they believe in. For Joy, however, she feels that she can already fulfill that purpose even without participating in competitions.
“Kasi, di ba, laging sinasabi kapag magdyo-join ka ng pageant, ‘I want to use my platform, I want to use my voice.’ E, feeling ko nagagawa ko naman na siya kahit outside pageantry,” she added.
Despite her decision to stop competing, Joy appears content with the crown and title she has already earned. Her pageant journey included her participation as Miss Earth Philippines in 2025, though she did not have a farewell walk at the Miss Universe Philippines 2026 coronation night in June.
Beyond pageantry, Joy has also become known for using her voice on social issues. She has spoken about concerns affecting women and the LGBTQIA+ community and has participated in public demonstrations.
She also joined protests following the controversy surrounding alleged anomalies involving flood control projects in September 2025.
While Joy may be closing the chapter on beauty competitions, her decision suggests that her advocacy work will continue. Rather than relying on a pageant stage, she now intends to use other platforms to express her views, support causes close to her heart, and make her voice heard.
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