MUP-Cebu Heritage 2024 Josephine Paaske’s new passion

CEBU, Philippines — After struggling in previous courses in aviation electronics and architecture, Miss Universe Philippines Cebu Heritage 2024 Mary Josephine Paaske has found her calling in interior design, which she is currently studying at the University of San Carlos.

“I am loving it. I am learning so much and making new friends,” she shared with The FREEMAN.

“I have always been fascinated by interior design in Denmark, where I grew up,” the Fil-Danish beauty queen explained. “Everywhere you go, you see fascinating structures, colors, and textures. These details are close to my heart.”

Paaske, 22, aims to blend Scandinavian and Filipino styles in her work. “That’s what I want to do as a successful interior designer. I want to bring Filipino culture to Denmark,” she added.

She already brought this vision to life in a recent assignment, combining Scandinavian simplicity and minimalism with the homey warmth of Filipino interior design.

“We did a floor plan for our home, and I incorporated both styles in my small apartment. In my room, there’s a puso (hanging rice) frame that I painted, mixed with soft Scandinavian elements,” she shared.

Reflecting on her upbringing, Paaske noted the differences between life in Denmark and the Philippines.

“In Denmark, families tend to live apart and don’t often communicate, though we see each other occasionally. But in the Philippines, families often live together in the same compound. Filipinos are very family-oriented.”

This strong sense of community makes Cebu her true home. “I go back and forth, but I really consider Cebu as my home because I feel so comfortable here. It’s the people, the food, and everything,” she said.

Recalling her experience as Talisay City's representative at Miss Universe Philippines earlier this year in Manila, she shared her admiration for Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel where she got to see the Fil-Am beauty queen in action.

“Watching R’Bonney change into different gowns backstage was inspiring. She’s also a designer herself, and herp fashion choices inspire me,” she said.

As Paaske and her fellow bets are looking for their next successors to represent Cebu in Miss Universe Philippines next year, she is taking a break from pageants to focus on her studies.

“I want to prioritize school right now. Hopefully, I’ll prepare for another pageant soon. Life after Miss Universe Philippines has been so different — it’s a question of what’s next for me.” — (FREEMAN)