Jamaica Co Has a Few More Dreams Up Her Sleeve

The flight attendant and student pilot joined Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Global Philippines to explore her heritage, earning a second runner-up finish and finding more reasons to keep dreaming.

Jamaica Co, or Jam as we love to call her, is used to exploring different places, but joining Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Global Philippines brought her closer to questions about herself. A flight attendant whose life spans Chicago and Manila, Jam had been watching the competition for years, drawn to its cultural activities and the chance to connect with fellow Chinoys.

“It’s about immersing yourself in that culture, knowing more about yourself and really learning a lot.”

She arrived with modeling and pageant experience, an outgoing personality, and a genuine willingness to participate. Despite a demanding schedule, she made the effort to attend, curious about what each activity might offer.

Jam had been following MMCGPH for years before joining, curious about the traditions and experiences she could discover along the way.

Finding Her Place

Jam’s interest in MMCGPH grew during a period of traveling more frequently between the US and the Philippines. Homesickness had encouraged her to return, while solo travel made her reflect on what she still wanted to experience at home.

“I realized to myself, you know, I feel like I still have a lot to accomplish here.”

She began joining modeling and acting workshops. Exploring her Chinese heritage felt like another part of that homecoming, although her connection to it had developed across different places and people.

Her mother maintained traditions at home, while a Burmese Chinese best friend encouraged her to join the Chinese club in high school. There, Jam performed ribbon and fan dances and studied Mandarin, although her family spoke Hokkien.

But still, familiarity did not always bring a sense of belonging.

“Because for a minute then, while I was in the US, I felt like I wasn’t Filipino enough for some.”

She had also questioned whether she was Chinese enough. MMCGPH offered a setting where she could explore both identities without having to prove one at the expense of the other. A workshop speech by Reginald Yu about embracing both cultures helped her recognize that.

Funny, thoughtful, and always game, Jam became the group’s achi while making discoveries of her own.

Choosing to Learn

Being part of MMCGPH gave Jam a chance to recognize familiar customs in other people’s lives and explore traditions she had long been curious about.

“And a big part of me is the traditions because parang I question, is this a Filipino thing? Or is this a Chinese thing? Or is this just my mom thing?”

The Moon Festival particularly excited her. She had learned about it in school but had not celebrated it with her family, so discovering how it was celebrated here made her eager to participate. Fellow candidate Mavi was willing to teach her the dice game, and Jam also spoke about recently learning mahjong.

“So for me, I learned more than just myself, but knowing the traditions as well and the celebrations.”

Life between Chicago and the Philippines gave Jam plenty to explore, including the different cultures that shaped her own identity.

The Group’s Achi

Throughout the competition, Jam became an achi to the group, bringing perspective and humor while remaining just as game as the younger candidates.

“The only time I feel like I’m an ate is when they call me ate.”

She wanted to keep the experience fun, but was mindful of other people’s comfort. If she thought a joke had gone too far, she checked in rather than leaving it unspoken.

“Because I don’t want anyone to really feel uncomfortable.”

Beneath the spontaneity was a protective, thoughtful side that she hoped her fellow candidates would continue to get to know.

“And I hope that they know that they will always have this Achi who can always help them because anything that they’ve gone through, I’ve probably gone through already.”

Her schedule limited some of that time together. Missing workshops frustrated her, particularly the acting and stunt sessions she had wanted to experience, and she noticed how closely everyone bonded in the beginning.

“And I would definitely not miss the beginning.”

Even with previous pageant experience, she found MMCGPH different enough to wish she could do those days again.

After a second runner-up finish, Jam is still making room for new dreams, from pilot training to revisiting her love of singing.

Still Making Room

Winners’ night passed quickly for Jam, who finished as second runner-up. She had wanted to perform well and take photographs with everyone, although afterward she could still identify things she wished she had done better.

“But regardless, I am happy with the result.”

Her attention was already turning toward what followed.

“I’m going to miss everyone but the reason why I joined is to immerse myself in the culture here and I’m just really looking forward to that.”

Beyond pageantry, Jam’s advocacy is to encourage people to keep dreaming, even after achieving something they once wanted. Becoming a flight attendant fulfilled one ambition; now, as a student pilot, she is allowing herself another. Friends who began flying careers in their thirties helped her reconsider her own worries about changing paths.

“Which just proves that it’s never too late to start a new one or rebuild yourself or find something new because we all walk through different paths in life.”

She is also revisiting singing and exploring another acting technique, making room for interests she still wants to develop. Joining MMCGPH came from that same willingness to try, giving her space to explore her heritage and imagine new possibilities.

“It’s never too late to start over again and this is also why I’m here.”