Pageant world mourns the demise at 57 of 1989 Bb. Pilipinas-Universe Sara Jane Paez
- Former Bb. Pilipinas Universe 1989 Sara Jane Paez-Santiago passed away on January 13, 2026, at the age of 57
- Friends Renee Salud and Marina Benipayo confirmed the news, describing her as a light who brought immense pride to the country
- Sara Jane represented the Philippines at the 1989 Miss Universe pageant in Mexico and remained active in the pageant community
- A public wake will be held in Makati City until January 18; the cause of death has not been officially disclosed by the family
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The Philippine pageant community is in mourning following the passing of Sara Jane Paez-Santiago, the beloved Binibining Pilipinas Universe 1989.
Source: Instagram
The former beauty queen died on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, just weeks shy of her 58th birthday.
The news of her demise was confirmed through heartfelt social media tributes from her inner circle, including legendary fashion designer Renee Salud and fellow beauty queen Marina Benipayo.
On January 15, Benipayo shared an obituary card on Facebook, requesting prayers for the soul of her "dear friend" who had "gone home to the Creator."
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Sara Jane rose to national prominence in 1989 when she clinched the prestigious Binibining Pilipinas Universe title.
She carried the Philippine flag to the Miss Universe pageant held in Cancun, Mexico, that same year.
While she did not take home the international crown, her elegance and poise left an indelible mark on the local pageant scene, earning her a lasting place in the "Binibini" sisterhood.
Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI) issued an official statement honoring her contributions.
"We remember and honor the life and legacy of Sara Jane Paez-Santiago," the organization stated. "Thank you for the light you shared and the pride you brought to Binibini. You will always be remembered."
Outside the spotlight, Sara Jane was a devoted wife to Nicky Santiago and a proud mother to two children who are currently based abroad.
Though she lived a relatively private life in her later years, she remained a cherished figure among her contemporaries in the fashion and beauty industries.
Her final television appearance occurred exactly one year ago, in January 2024, when she participated as a contestant on the popular game show Family Feud Philippines.
During that episode, she showcased her enduring charm alongside her husband, her sister Gina Paez-De Villa, and brother-in-law Noel De Villa.
While the Santiago family has not yet released a statement regarding the specific cause of her death, funeral arrangements have been finalized.
Her wake is scheduled to be held in Makati City from Thursday, January 15, until Sunday, January 18, 2026, allowing friends, family, and fans to pay their final respects.
Sara Jane Paez-Santiago is remembered not just for the crown she wore, but for the warmth and kindness she extended to those who knew her throughout her 57 years of life.
There were also some local beauty queens who met their maker in the last few years. Among them is Rashel Tayco, a promising beauty queen who was set to represent Barangay E. Lopez in the Lin-Ay Ng Silay 2025 pageant, who died in a motorcycle accident. The 18-year-old aspirant lost her life on the Silay-Bacolod circumferential road after her motorcycle crashed into the rear of a stationary truck on a Sunday evening. Sources close to Tayco revealed she was actively training and preparing for her upcoming stage debut at the time of the catastrophic accident. Police investigators noted that while the victim was wearing a helmet, the force of the high-speed impact caused the protective gear to shatter upon contact.
In 2024, the Mutya ng Pilipinas Pampanga organization also extended its deepest condolences following the violent deaths of contestant Geneva Lopez and her partner, Yitzhak Cohen. Through a formal public statement, the pageant committee expressed solidarity with the bereaved families, acknowledging the profound void left by the couple's tragic passing. The organization joined the growing chorus of voices demanding a swift and thorough legal process to ensure those responsible for the double h0micide face the full weight of the law. As the 2026 legal proceedings continue, the Pampanga beauty circuit remains committed to keeping the memory of Lopez alive while seeking a peaceful conclusion to the high-profile case.
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