KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA — Demonstrating grace, resilience, and the power of hard work, Edmonton’s Fatima Apuyan represented Canada at the Mrs. International Global pageant in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, securing not just one but three awards: 3rd Runner-Up, Global People’s Choice Award, and Queen of Boldness.
Having won the national crown of Mrs. International Global Canada in Calgary in January 2026, Apuyan traveled to Malaysia to compete against accomplished women from around the world. Her stellar performance on the global stage caps a decades-long journey of personal and professional perseverance.
Before flying to Kuala Lumpur, Apuyan had an interview with SYNAG Media to reflect on her journey, her roots, and what it means to represent two cultures on an international stage.
“I am incredibly proud to represent both the Filipino-Canadian community and Canada as a whole,” Apuyan said. “As a proud Canadian I carry two hearts in one sash. I represent where I grew up, which is Legazpi City, Albay Philippines. Resilient, faith and family. And I (also) represent the values I live by in Canada. Diversity, kindness and opportunity.”
Apuyan was a dedicated teacher back in the Philippines, and her Canadian journey began in December 2010 when she first arrived in the country as a nanny trying to chase a dream and build a future for her children. But she admits, homesickness killed her every day, and coming to Canada meant leaving the classroom behind to work as a child caregiver.
“I remember when I was a school teacher. It was fun to see how behaved, respectful, and polite the Filipino students were. I really missed them,” she recalls. “Being a nanny was a different story. Luckily, I found a very good family who treated me well, and the children were wonderful.”
When her contract as a caregiver ended, Apuyan immediately jumped into a daycare to work as a childcare educator. From then on, she set her sights on building something of her own, a daycare centre now called Little Bunnies Learning Centre. “I really enjoy it because I got to share my knowledge in providing quality childcare service and education.”
Now the Filipina educator outshined candidates from across the globe in the Mrs. International Global pageant. She stepped onto the global stage, not just for the title but the dreams of two vibrant cultures, showing what Filipinos and Canadians can do to compete at a high level on an international stage.
Apuyan’s impressive placement and multiple special awards stand as a testament to her determination and the backing of both her home city of Edmonton and the Filipino-Canadian community nationwide. By rising from an immigrant nanny to a successful business owner and international pageant royalty, Apuyan continues to exemplify the resilience and big dreams of the diaspora.
