Meet the Miss and Mrs. CU Founder and Chairwoman, Lina Gabbaoan
- Celestial Universe Team
- Jan 21, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 5
Lina Gabbaoan: Mother, Entrepreneur, Beauty Queen, and Philanthropist
Lina Gabbaoan is a woman of extraordinary accomplishments, seamlessly balancing her roles as a mother, entrepreneur, beauty queen, and passionate philanthropist. With a deep commitment to empowering communities and celebrating her Filipino heritage, Lina has built an inspiring legacy that spans multiple industries and advocacy platforms.
The Journey of a Beauty Queen
Lina Gabbaoan’s illustrious journey in the world of pageantry began in 2019, when she was crowned Mrs. World Philippines Europe Winner in Hamburg, Germany. This victory was followed by her success as a finalist at the Mrs. World Philippines Finals 2019 in Paris, France, where she earned the prestigious awards of Best in Evening Gown and Best in Swimsuit.
Her international pageant career soared as she went on to gain several continental titles, including:
Mrs. Universe Eurasia 2021
Mrs. Universe 2021 Top 12 placement and was honored with the title of Ambassador in Yeosu, South Korea.
In addition to competing, Lina has served as a National Director for several Mrs. Universe competitions, including Continental Asia, Pacific Asia, Eurasia, and the UK in 2022. Her leadership in the pageantry world reflects her passion for empowering women and promoting cultural exchange.
A Visionary Entrepreneur
Lina’s entrepreneurial spirit shines through her work as the Founder and Chairwoman of MaxaM Foundation, a non-profit organization established in 2016 with a mission to uplift lives through education, compassion, and empowerment. Her first initiative, the One Dream (Isang Pangarap) Project, provides educational support to underprivileged students in rural areas of the Philippines. In 2024, she launched the Liwanag Project, spreading hope and unity through acts of giving and community outreach. By 2026, the Aruga Project will begin, promoting compassion and mental wellness across schools and communities. That same year, Lina will proudly inaugurate Celestial Universe, a global women’s empowerment and leadership platform. Through MaxaM Foundation, Lina brings together her philanthropic vision and entrepreneurial drive to create opportunities that inspire change and nurture purpose
In October 2023, Lina took on a new challenge as the Owner and General Manager of Kubjertos Filipino Moderno, a modern Filipino café-restaurant in Winschoten, the Netherlands. With hands-on expertise, Lina manages operations, service, bartending, barista, bobarista, and even steps into the kitchen as a fill-in cook and expediter during busy hours. Her leadership is rooted in her passion for showcasing Filipino cuisine and culture to a global audience.
Educational Excellence
Lina’s academic and professional journey is a reflection of her deep commitment to both personal growth and public service.
She holds a U.S. Bachelor's Degree in Health Science major in Psychology, providing her with a solid foundation to support emotional well-being, relational health, and trauma recovery.
In April 2025, she officially launched two mission-driven practices:
• Astramia Counselling, as a Preventive Mental Health Practitioner, and
• Euroaccess Consultancy, as a Visa Consultant, specializing in Schengen short- and long-stay visas for individuals and families navigating complex migration paths.
She is also the founder of Soulful Phoenix: Healing After Abuse, a growing community space and advocacy platform for survivors of emotional, psychological, and domestic abuse with a focus on expats, migrant women, and cross-cultural families.
Lina’s education is further enriched by an extensive list of international diplomas and certifications, including:
Level 5 Diploma in Counselling & Coaching
International Diploma in Domestic Violence & Abuse Awareness
International Certificate in Trauma-Informed Care
In addition, she holds formal training in:
Restaurant Management
Business Management
Operations Strategy
Sales and Marketing
Basic Accounting
These business qualifications have played a crucial role in her success as an entrepreneur and social impact leader, while her psychological training and lived experience continue to shape her trauma-informed, culturally sensitive approach to both counselling and migration support.
With years of hands-on experience, Lina has guided individuals through emotional recovery, complex family dynamics, cross-cultural stress, and migration transitions that is always rooted in empathy, safety, and deep listening.
Next Academic Milestone:
Lina is set to begin her Master’s in Clinical Forensic Psychology & Victimology in the Netherlands in 2026. It is a natural evolution of her work with survivors of complex trauma, and her growing expertise in the psychological roots of violence, abuse, and justice.
A Legacy in Advocacy
Lina’s advocacy work extends beyond her professional titles. As the founder of Celestial Universe International Pageant, she uses the pageant platform to empower women globally. The pageant focuses on advocacy-driven initiatives, celebrating beauty, grace, and resilience while championing causes like mental health awareness and education accessibility.
A Lifelong Dedication to Empowerment
Lina’s achievements are not just about personal success but about creating a meaningful impact in the lives of others. Her work with the MaxaM Foundation, the Soulful Phoenix, leadership in pageantry, and her other entrepreneurial ventures all share a common purpose: empowering individuals and communities to reach their full potential.
As a proud Filipino woman, Lina continues to inspire others with her unwavering dedication, resilience, and vision. Whether on the stage, in business, or leading a foundation, Lina Gabbaoan exemplifies what it means to shine brightly in every aspect of life.
Titles and Recognitions:
Founder and Chairwoman: MaxaM Foundation and Celestial Universe International Pageant
Owner and General Manager: Kubjertos Filipino Moderno/Silvino's
Owner: Astramia Counselling, EuroAccess Consultancy, and The Expat Therapist
National Director: Mrs. Universe UK, Continental Asia, Pacific Asia, and Eurasia
Beauty Queen Titles: Mrs. World Philippines Europe 2019 Winner, Mrs. Universe Eurasia 2021, and Mrs. Universe International Finals 2021 - Top 12 with Ambassador Award.
Lina Gabbaoan’s journey is a testament to the power of determination, hard work, and a heart committed to uplifting others. Her story continues to inspire women around the world to dream big and make a difference.
A Journey of Resilience and Small Steps
Lina Gabbaoan’s journey to becoming an entrepreneur is a testament to the power of resilience, patience, and the value of consistent effort. Her dream of opening a restaurant was not an overnight success, it was a vision that took five years of dedication and perseverance to bring to life.
Starting with humble beginnings, Lina immersed herself in the culinary world as an apprentice, learning the craft and understanding the industry from the ground up. Along the way, she pursued certifications during the pandemic, a step that brings her closer to her goal.
The path was not without challenges. Setbacks and moments of doubt tested her resolve, but Lina’s commitment to her dream never wavered. She embraced the process, using every lesson as a building block for her vision. Resilience became her compass, and patience her guide.
When she finally opened the doors of Kubjertos Filipino Moderno, it was more than the realization of a dream, it was a testament to the power of persistence and the belief that small, consistent steps lead to great achievements. The determination to further pursue this desire following her father's passing is evidence that despite our suffering and loss, there is an incredible outpouring of fortitude, tenacity, and grit.
Lina’s journey is a reminder to anyone pursuing a dream: Take the first step, learn through the process, and keep moving forward. Success is built one deliberate action at a time, and with resilience and patience, the impossible becomes inevitable. Websites:
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