Janeena Chan takes creative reins of Mr. & Ms. Chinatown Global Philippines

At 33, Janeena Chan has had about five careers already.

Child model. Singer. Disney singing princess finalist. At 14, she was a junior reporter for RPN 9’s “Newswatch Junior Edition.” Then came courtside reporting, hosting for ABS-CBN Sports, CHiNOY TV, UAAP and ABL coverage — and now, the familiar face on GMA’s “The People Have Spoken” and 24 Oras’ “Chika Minute.”

Now she adds another title to that run: creative director of Mr. & Ms. Chinatown Global Philippines.

It’s not a random pivot. If you’ve followed Chinoy TV’s pageants for the last decade, you’ve seen Chan there — mic in hand, keeping the show together.

“I’ve been hosting pageants organized by Chinoy TV for 10 years already, and I’ve grown up with this community through the years,” she said. “So being entrusted with the role as creative director actually felt both exciting and natural. I’m looking forward to bringing my creative vision and lending my voice to this platform in its new era and inaugural year.”

Yes, the name sounds familiar. Chan is quick to clarify. 

“The Chinatown pageant brand was built by the very people behind the new Chinatown Global. They bring with them the same experience, expertise, and values that shaped its success, now with a bigger vision and a global stage,” she says.

In short: same DNA, bigger ambition.

“Expect Chinatown Global to be an elevated evolution of what they successfully built years ago — stronger, more ambitious, and guided by the same passion and commitment to excellence.”

They’re calling it The Search for the Next Chinoy Star. And they mean star, not just titleholder.

For its inaugural year, the organization went national for the first time. Key cities across the Philippines, over 2,000 applicants — Chan says it’s their most competitive edition yet.

The screening was brutal by design.

“Through a rigorous series of screenings, we went beyond physical beauty — which was already a given — to discover individuals with exceptional talent, personality, charisma, and that undeniable X-factor,” she shares.

“Our goal was clear: to find not just the next Chinatown titleholders, but the next generation of stars.”

The result: 26 finalists — 15 women, 11 men — all being groomed not just to walk, but to work.

Backing them is a heavyweight lineup of partners who bought into that bigger vision: ABS-CBN, Star Magic/Star Hunt, FFCCCII, SM Supermalls, City of Manila, Megaworld Hotels, among others.

“Together, these partnerships are elevating the brand, expanding its reach, and opening new doors of opportunity for Global Chinoys to shine on a bigger stage,” Chan says.

If you think the job ends at the crown, Chan says you missed the point.

“We take a holistic approach to discovering individuals who have the potential to become the next big stars, the confidence and character to represent the Philippines on the global stage, and the heart to carry forward a legacy rooted in community, service, and meaningful impact.”

It’s not just beauty. It’s marketability, character, and cultural rootedness — someone who can carry a show, carry a conversation, and carry a community.

All of that leads to coronation night on October 20, 7 p.m., at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila, where the first-ever Mr. & Ms. Chinatown Global Philippines will be crowned.