The Filipino pageant community suffered a loss today as Binibining Pilipinas Universe 1989, Sara Jane Paez, has passed away at 57. News of Sara Jane Paez's passing was reported in posts of multiple pageant social media pages like The Qrown PH and Pageant Trend, along with a graphic that shared her day of passing as January 13, 2026. The graphic also shared that her wake is being held at the Santuario de San Antonio Parish in Forbes Park, Makati, starting today, January 15, until Sunday, January 18. The Binibining Pilipinas Organization also posted a message about one of their former queens. "We remember and honor the life and legacy of Sarah Jane Paez Santiago, Binibining Universe 1989. "Thank you for the light you shared and the pride you brought to Binibini. You will always be remembered. Rest in peace." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Binibining Pilipinas (@bbpilipinasofficial) View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Qrown Philippines (@theqrownph) No details have been released about the cause of her passing. Sara Jane Paez won the Binibining Pilipinas Universe crown in 1989 when she was 20-years-old. According to the Facebook page opmb worldwide, Sara was a 5'9” Spanish-speaking favorite of the press the moment she was presented. Her fellow winners at the time were first runner-up Suzanne Fahling, second runner-up Michelle Blardony, Binibining Pilipinas Tourism Marichele Cruz, Binibining Pilipinas International Lilia Eloisa (Lia) Andanar, Miss Maja Pilipinas Jeanne Theres Hilario, and Binibining Pilipinas Flower Queen Maria Rita Apostol. Sara Paez would then go on to compete in the Miss Universe 1989 pageant held in Cancun, Mexico. That year's crown would eventually go to Holland's Angela Visser, the first and only Dutch winner of the crown. RELATED CONTENT: See more celebrities who passed away in 2025 in this gallery