LIHU‘E — Faye Tangonan, Ms. Universe International 2018-2019 is juggling it all. A mom of three who resides in Lihu‘e carries an International crown and her family with pride.
“Having to represent my country itself, which is the Philippines, and bringing that crown back is a huge honor. It’s a big achievement for me. It makes me feel proud,” said Tangonan.
She originally came from the Philippines but now resides on Kaua’i and is a mom to three boys.
Tangonan was crowned Ms. Universe International at the Ms./Mrs. Earth pageant held in June 2018 at Las Vegas. Since then she has been busy balancing her job as a Realtor at Kauai Realty, and keeping her commitments to her title’s duties.
Through her platforms she wanted to focus on education and the youth in her home country. She believes that it’s in giving is where we receive. She loves to help others in need and recently mentored her niece and friend who then also won international titles.
She advocates for kids in need in the Philippines through her own foundation called Faye Tangonan International Youth Foundation. She welcomes donations but most of funding comes out of her own pocket and done through her heart.
Tangonan travels back to the Philippines at least 5-6 times a year. She attends award shows and recently finished two Filipino movies. She says she is excited to fly back and work on two more movies. If that was not enough, this Ilocano recording artist can be found on YouTube performing her songs.
At 39, Tangonan says she’s amazed at what she’s already accomplished in life.
“I would never have dreamed my life would turn out this way. I feel like a late bloomer,” said Tangonan.
The next generation is what inspires Tangonan most, she says, especially her own children. Her oldest son, CJ is good with computers and had straight A’s in school. Her seventh-grader Nigel, loves photography and basketball who also has straight A’s, while being a social butterfly. Tangonan says focusing on this next generation is her secret to success.
“Love and support. We have to except our children no matter what and who they are. No one will love them more as much as we do,” she said.
Tangonan is now nursing a brand new edition to the family a new baby boy that was born about a month ago. While focusing on the new baby, she’s already considering ways she’ll be giving back to her Kaua‘i community and how she’ll influence the next generation on this island. Part of that is inspiring other young women to work toward a crown
“You just have to be yourself, have the confidence and heart. If you don’t have that you won’t go far. Don’t forget to give back to your community and thank those along the way that helped you get there,” Tangonan said.
