Fil-Am Miss Hawai’i Breea Yamat secures top 10 finish in Miss USA

Photo from breearae/Instagram

The fiery Filipina spirit of Breea Yamat, a Filipino American Miss Hawai’i USA, propelled her to a semi-final spot in the recent Miss USA competition.

Bringing her unique mixed heritage to the national stage, the 27-year-old beauty queen of Mexican Filipino descent clinched a spot in the pageant’s top 10.

Hours before the coronation night, Yamat shared her emotions on Instagram with a series of photos showcasing her beaded purple evening gown from the preliminary competition.

Hailing from Oahu, Yamat expressed her readiness to shine at the Miss USA finals, saying, “Every challenge and triumph has led me to this moment. I’m grateful for my incredible support system for believing in me every step of the way.”

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She further added that she was experiencing a mix of emotions but was ready to show what she’s got: “Feeling all the emotions: excitement, nerves, and gratitude all rolled into one incredible journey. Ready to give it my all wearing Hawaii on my chest and always in my heart.”

During a closed-door interview, Yamat, dressed in a hot pink outfit, mentioned she infused “the vibrant energy of Hawaii” into her Miss USA interview. She hoped to inspire others by sharing her story and showcasing the resilience of the islands.

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Embracing her mixed heritage, Yamat proudly described herself as “Mexican spice mixed with Filipina fire.” She added, “I love that people have noticed my multicultural background, and I’m proud to highlight my heritage. America’s strength lies in its diversity, where every culture, race, and belief adds a unique thread to the tapestry of our shared identity.”

The American national beauty pageant is a pivotal step in selecting the representative for Miss Universe 2024 in Mexico, where Yamat hoped to compete with other Filipina beauties like the Philippines’ Chelsea Manalo and Great Britain’s Christina Dela Cruz Chalk. But it’s Alma Cooper of Michigan who will be representing the USA in the international pageant.