Who We Are
Reina Filipina North America is a prestigious organization dedicated to celebrating the beauty, culture, and talent of Filipina women across the continent. As an accredited partner of MU+PH, Reina Filipina plays a vital role in empowering contestants and promoting Filipino heritage. Through various events and initiatives, the organization fosters a sense of community and pride among Filipina women, encouraging them to shine on both local and global stages. Join us in celebrating the remarkable achievements and contributions of Filipina women in North America!
MEET OUR TEAM
DR. ALICIA ALMENDRAL
Founder / Co-Owner / CEO
Dr. Alicia Almendral, an accomplished 19-year Family Medicine physician with a primary care practice in New York, is the esteemed producer of the Reina Filipina North America pageants and Managing Partner of Monarch Montage LLC, the accredited partner of the Miss Universe Philippines. In addition to her remarkable achievements in the field of medicine, Dr. Almendral is the visionary force behind the pageantry world, shaping the Miss Philippines North America pageants into a stage of empowerment and cultural celebration. With a distinguished career in healthcare, Dr. Alicia Almendral has impacted the lives of countless patients, embodying a commitment to compassionate care and holistic well-being. Her primary care practice, coupled with Medical Aesthetic clinics in the Bronx, Woodside, and Manhattan, reflects her dedication to enhancing the health and wellness of diverse communities. Beyond her exemplary medical career, Dr. Alicia Almendral's leadership in the pageantry domain has reshaped the narrative of empowerment, diversity, and global connectivity. Her role as Managing Partner of Monarch Montage LLC has propelled the organization to the forefront of cultural exchange and inclusive representation within the Miss Universe Philippines ecosystem. Dr. Alicia Almendral multifaceted contributions as a respected physician, producer of the Reina Filipina North America pageants, and Managing Partner of Monarch Montage LLC underscore her transformative impact on the realms of healthcare, empowerment, and cultural diplomacy. Her pioneering spirit exemplifies a harmonious fusion of medical excellence, creative vision, and global advocacy, establishing her as a trailblazer in both the medical and pageantry landscapes.
JOHN T. BALTAZAR, MBA
Co-Owner / Managing Partner / Board Chairman
John Baltazar embodies an extraordinary career that spans diverse industries, positioning him as the co-producer of the Reina Filipina North America pageant and Managing Partner of Monarch Montage LLC, the accredited partner of Miss Universe Philippines. His expansive expertise encompasses healthcare, business operations, and real estate, cementing his reputation as a leader with a dynamic blend of strategic insight and an unwavering commitment to excellence. His expertise as a business executive reflects his proficiency in sales, marketing, and negotiation, rooted in a deep understanding of client relations and business development. With management careers at Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals, Elsevier Publishing and Global Sales, Doximity Social Media, NYU Langone and his artistic ventures at UP Repertory Company and ABSCBN, John is the embodiment of corporate leadership with theatrical experience essential to the success of the pageants. In addition to John's role as Managing Partner at Monarch Montage LLC, his impetus for partnering with the MUPh is to help the Philippines improve tourism and contribute to the economy. Through this pageant, there is a strong platform to reintroduce the Philippines to our kababayans in the Tristate area; there is a bridge to connect young FilAms to the beautiful Filipino culture and heritage and there is a reason for our American friends to learn and support our FilAm candidates. John’s foray into the realm of pageantry and cultural diplomacy as the producer of the Reina FilipinaNorth America pageant and Managing Partner of Monarch Montage LLC epitomizes a harmonious fusion of visionary leadership, business acumen, theatrical experience and a steadfast dedication to empowering women on a global stage.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ATTY. EDWARD CARRASCO
Board of Director For Legal
Attorney Edward Carrasco is a seasoned litigator based in New York, having established his law firm in Woodside, Queens, following a distinguished 25-year career in law enforcement with two prominent agencies: the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and the New York State Office of the Attorney General. During his tenure with the NYPD, Attorney Carrasco held several high-profile investigative and command roles, ultimately retiring as a Deputy Inspector, making him the highest-ranking Filipino officer in the department’s history. After retiring from the NYPD, he briefly practiced law before being called back into public service as Chief of Operations and Chief of Major Investigations for the New York State Office of the Attorney General’s Investigations Division. In this capacity, he oversaw complex, high-profile investigations throughout New York State, addressing issues such as organized crime and public corruption. Now in private practice, Attorney Carrasco specializes in Immigration, Family, and Criminal Law. A formidable litigator, he is frequently sought after as an expert witness by both plaintiffs and defendants. Attorney Carrasco holds a Juris Doctor from the City University of New York School of Law, a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Harvard University, and a Master's in Criminal Justice from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice. He is also an alumnus of the Columbia Business School Police Management Institute and the Naval Postgraduate School.