Fil-Am Matea Mahal Smith crowned Miss Jamaica World 2026
Inquirer.net
03 November 2026
LOS ANGELES – Filipino American beauty queen Matea Mahal Smith has been crowned Miss Jamaica World 2026 and will represent Jamaica at the Miss World competition in Tanzania next year.
The 24-year-old Florida native emerged victorious from a field of 23 contestants during the Nov. 1 coronation ceremony at the Karl Hendrickson Auditorium at Jamaica College in St. Andrew, Jamaica.
Smith, who competed under the Miss Aveeno sash, received the crown from outgoing titleholder Nevaeh Allen.
Daniella Bullock was named first runner-up and awarded the Miss International Jamaica title, while second runner-up Celine Walters received the Miss Earth Jamaica title.
Smith had already secured a place in the competition’s Top 12 after winning the Fitness Fast Track challenge in October.
Proud of her Filipino and Jamaican heritage
Smith’s latest victory adds to a pageant career that has taken her from the United States to the Philippines and Jamaica.
Born in Florida, she is the daughter of Marilou “Mari” Pantoja-Smith, with family roots in Pililla, Rizal, and Seitu Smith, a Jamaican American educator.
Smith made history in August 2023 when she became the first woman of Filipino and Black descent to win Miss Filipina International, expanding representation in Filipino pageantry.
Smith was featured in Inquirer.net USA for breaking the mold of traditional Filipino beauty ideals through her embrace of her Afro-Filipina identity.
Smith has maintained close ties to the Philippines, visiting her mother’s home province and participating in community and cultural activities.
She competed in Miss Universe Philippines 2024, representing the Filipino community of Florida. She later finished as second runner-up in Miss Universe Jamaica 2025 and represented Jamaica at Miss Grand International that year.
From pageantry to medical advocacy
Beyond pageantry, Smith is pursuing a career in medicine.
She graduated cum laude from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in behavioral and cognitive neuroscience. She is also a board-certified patient advocate and is pursuing post-baccalaureate studies at the University of New England as she works toward becoming a doctor.
Her interest in medicine is rooted partly in her experience undergoing multiple hip surgeries, which ended her participation in competitive track and field and swimming.
She founded Love Always, Matea, a charitable initiative supporting children and young people affected by illness, disability and difficult circumstances.
Smith also serves as an ambassador for Sophie’s Place Children’s Home in Kingston. Her charitable work includes organizing a 5K fundraiser that raised $4,000 for Hurricane Melissa relief.