Jassi Trimming’s summer could be summed up in one word: whirlwind.
The 18-year-old Cochranite is currently in the Philippines enjoying her time as a member of the Miss Filipina International Royal Court – a feat she accomplished by being named first runner-up in her pageant debut at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Centre in Los Angeles July 29 and 30.
Just a couple months prior, she was receiving her diploma at Bow Valley High School.
“It’s been such a surreal experience,” Trimming said in an email to The Eagle. “My excitement was over the roof at being named first runner-up. I gained so much confidence during pageant week, in addition to learning a lot about myself. This pageant has opened so many possibilities for me.”
When a Miss Filipina International scouting agent approached Trimming on Instagram earlier this year with an offer to compete in the L.A. pageant, she was initially hesitant to accept the opportunity.
But the experience, knowledge and friendships she gained from diving in headfirst affirmed she had made the right decision.
“I will remember it forever. The girls I competed against became like family to me. I’m happy to say that all those girls will be my friends forever – we consider ourselves like a sisterhood with the support system we had,” said Trimming.
“I’m grateful for every experience I’ve encountered through this opportunity. I walked away with much more than a crown and a title.”
In addition to being named first runner-up, Trimming was also awarded Miss Philippine Airline ambassador, Best in National Costume first runner-up, and Miss Social Media.
The 18-year-old said she’s grateful for each accolade but is most proud of what the social media award represents. The winner was named based on the candidate with the most likes on their photo on the pageant’s Facebook page.
“This award signifies everyone who believed in me by voting for me, especially my family in the Philippines and Canada,” she said, adding there were over 7,000 votes counted. “I had the best support from everyone in Cochrane – my friends, family, the Filipino community and especially Tita and Tito Bautista at Bubble Tea Brewers – I hope I made you proud.
“I only had my mom and sister with me in L.A. as I competed, but I could feel the support of everyone else watching me and cheering me on.”
Trimming, who has lived in Cochrane for four years, represented Alberta as one of three participants from Canada out of 24. She also represented her home province of Southern Leyte in the Philippines.
Bound and determined to visit her family and friends in the Philippines after taking part in the pageant, Trimming booked a flight that saw her back in Cochrane for just a single day before she was back on a plane.
While enjoying the start of her year-long reign as part of the Miss Filipina International Royal Court, comprised of the pageant winner, first, second and third runner-ups and Miss Tourism, Trimming is also relishing time spent with loved ones and filling up on lots of traditional Filipino cuisine before she returns to Cochrane.
The first matter of business when she returns home, she says, is to hug her cat Luna. Then, lots of rest.
