Fil-Ams among judges at 2024 Miss Universe-Ecuador pageant

 

Jesse Cabalza and Jen Young

Filipino-American nurse, singer and comedian Jesse Cabalza with entrepreneur, philanthropist and content creator Jen Young were part of the selection committee at the recently concluded Miss Universe-Ecuador pageant in Machala, Ecuador.

Along with 3 other distinguished judges, Jessie and Jen decided the most beautiful woman in Ecuador. Actress, writer and director Mara Topic from  Guayaquil bested 24 other contestants earning the right to represent Ecuador in the upcoming Miss Universe pageant to be held in Mexico City, Mexico.       

With Miss Universe-Ecuador Mara Topic

     With a career spanning 25 years in the performing arts, Jesse began at the Library Manila Philippines as singer, host and comedian, then a staple performer in A-list comedy bars as Klownz and Sitcom Live. 

After moving to the US in 2002, she pioneered the Philippine style comedy/karaoke trend in the Bay Area, performing at Edna Ichiban's in South San Francisco, CA. In addition, she has performed in casino shows across California and Nevada, including Cache Creek Resort and Casino, Pechanga Casino, and Golden Phoenix Casino. Jesse has opened for Filipino celebrities like Regine Velasquez and Sharon Cuneta; and has performed alongside Fil-Am artists Jaya, Carol Banawa and "American Idol" finalist Jasmine Trias.

In 2023, Jesse was honored with the Gawad Amerika award for Most Outstanding Performer in Singing and Comedy Act, as part of the trio Awesome Threesome.

Jen Young, a distinguished professional with a bachelor's degree in Accounting from Santa Clara University, has built an impressive career as budget analyst. She is also top distributor of a leading skincare brand in the US.

From 1998 to 2006, she served as budget and finance analyst at the United States Air Force Europe Headquarters, earning multiple Civilian of the Quarter Awards and the Civilian of the year Honor, showcasing her dedication and expertise during the Global War on Terrorism through her collaboration with the Pentagon.

Currently, Jen is a member of the Fil-Am Chamber of Commerce of Silicon Valley, which is the most prominent organization in the area, which her father co-founded in the early '90s. Her various community service activities include organizing feeding programs for malnourished and wasted children in public schools in the Philippines through the Cebu Joyful Ministry Feeding Program, organized by the Bishop's Conference of the Philippines.