About - Mrs. Classic USA

Romelette Metz

Founder/Owner Mrs. Classic USA Pageant National Director

Founder and Owner of Fil-Am World Magazine, a publishing and advertising company specializing in branding and public relations. Romelette has engaged numerous charities and humanitarian missions.
Her volunteer works include;
President, Organization of Filipinos in Texas (2023 to present)
Board of Directors, Asian American Alliance of San Antonio (2018 to present)
Advisory Board Member, Global Chamber San Antonio (2020 to present)
Project Director, Philippine Chorale of San Antonio Foundation (2017 to present)
Executive Secretary, Philippine Women of America, Inc. (2010-2014).
She aims to empower and inspire women to showcase their talents, beauty, and wits, and celebrate their legacy, as well as create a network of women who are passionate about making our world a better place.

Elcee Cortez

Advisor

Ms. Elcee Cortez is a distinguished Filipino American community leader whose decades of service, compassion, and unwavering dedication have made her one of the most trusted pillars of the Filipino community in Texas. A retired nurse turned successful businesswoman, she embodies resilience, generosity, and the spirit of bayanihan that continues to uplift countless families and organizations across the state.

Ms. Cortez currently serves as Vice President of the Organization of Filipinos in Texas, where her leadership strengthens cultural unity, advocacy, and community empowerment. Her influence extends even further as a Board Director of the PACC‑GSA, PNASA, and AAASA, roles through which she champions collaboration, professional development, and the advancement of Filipino Americans in various sectors.

Her career in nursing, marked by compassion and excellence, laid the foundation for her lifelong commitment to service. After retiring from the profession, she transitioned into entrepreneurship, becoming a respected businesswoman whose work continues to support and inspire the community she loves.

Known affectionately as a pilar of the community, Ms. Cortez is celebrated for her integrity, her tireless volunteerism, and her ability to bring people together. Her leadership is not only organizational—it is deeply personal. She is a mentor, a connector, and a steadfast advocate for Filipino culture, unity, and progress.

Through every chapter of her life, Ms. Elcee Cortez remains a shining example of what it means to lead with heart, serve with purpose, and uplift others with humility and strength.

Robert O'Briant

Production Director

Robert O'Briant (mostly known as “OB”) is a U.S. Navy veteran who served as an aviation ordnanceman, small arms instructor, and weapons expert. After his military service, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA). Currently, Robert works as a manufacturing planner at Boeing and owns OB Productions LLC, a company that specializes in music and event productions.

Hannelore Tampipi

Assistant to the CEO/Operations Manager

Hannelore holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice. She is currently studying at St. Mary's University School of Law. She is a crowned queen and holds 2 titles: Miss Junior Teen PWA 2012 and 2025 Homecoming Queen at St.Mary's University. She was also a cheerleader in high school. As a wife and mother, she is passionate about inspiring women to continue their dreams and excel!

Jerlyn McAuliffee

Community Liaison

Jerlyn McAuliffe is an entrepreneur, beauty pageant queen, and community leader based in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area. She is active within the Filipino-Asian-American community and known for her involvement in various businesses and philanthropic efforts.
Business and professional roles
Payment solutions: McAuliffe is involved in multiple payment systems companies. Recent posts mention her association with Deluxe Payment Systems, Payment Solutions at the Elliott Company, and Impulse Payments.
National Account Manager: Her LinkedIn profile lists her as a National Account Manager with point-of-sale expertise.
Serial entrepreneur: She is involved in a variety of other businesses, including the Segway brand, RIMAN (independent distributor), 4seventeen coffee, and IXXIA jewelry.
Beauty pageant and community work
Ms. Philippine Independence Texas: In 2024, McAuliffe was crowned Ms. Philippine Independence Texas for the 2024–2026 term, representing the DFW community.
Community involvement: She is a long-standing supporter of the Filipino-Asian-American community, regularly sponsoring and donating her time and resources to community events and non-profit fundraisers.
Volunteer work: Her LinkedIn profile details past volunteer experience, including a role as Director of Volunteers at Corinth Classical Academy and Vice President of the PTA at Sam Houston Elementary in Denton.
Recent activities
New York Fashion Week: In September 2025, she made an appearance at New York Fashion Week as Mrs. Philippines Texas 2024–2025.
Fashion show involvement: She was involved in a fashion show for Belk in Flower Mound, Texas, in August 2025.

Shenel Rimando

Mistress of the Ceremony

Shenel Rimando — a Filipino-American community leader, project manager, nonprofit advocate, and cultural ambassador based in San Antonio, Texas. Her work bridges construction leadership, entrepreneurship support, Filipino cultural promotion, and pancreatic cancer advocacy. Shenel made history as the first Filipina President of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), San Antonio Chapter. Today, she serves as Region Chair of the Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce – Greater San Antonio (PACC-GSA) and is a dedicated advocate with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN). Her story has been featured by the University of St. Thomas-Houston as an alumni success story, as well as by Voyage San Antonio, Canvas Rebel, and numerous nonprofit and business organizations. Beyond her civic leadership, Shenel is the owner and massage therapist behind Radiantly Rimando LLC, where she's dedicated to helping clients relax, recover, and feel their best.

James O'Briant

Official Fashion Designer

James O'Briant is a certified member of FDAP--Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines since 2015.

It was in August 2015 when FDAP opened their group to 13 young designers to be inducted as new members of the organization. It was held in San Juan Metro Manila where the potential designers brought their sample designs and portfolios and were screened through a series of interviews. James O'Briant was one of the fortunate picks. And he prides himself as the only FDAP member from Olongapo and Zambales. As of date, he now sits as the Assistant Secretary of the said organization.

As of this writing, he has already designed creations (natcos and gowns) for international pageants for representatives of countries like AUSTRALIA, CANADA, GUATEMALA and PHILIPPINES and has designed outfits for celebrities like
MARCO GUMABAO, SNOOKY SERNA, AI AI DELAS ALAS, CHANDA ROMERO, ELIZABETH OROPESA, CARLA ABELLANA, LAUREN YOUNG,
comediennes like SUPER TEKLA, DONITA NOSE, PETITE , NEGI, BRENDA MAGE, BOOBSIE WONDERLAND and ETHEL BOOBA;
Beauty Queens like MUTYA DATUL, MICHELLE DEE, WYNWIN MARQUEZ, CYNTHIA THOMALLA and SAMANTHA BERNARDO and the list goes on.

Aside from being a designer, he is also an Award winning Makeup artist, Choreographer, Pageant Guru and Talent Manager.

Popularly known in his hometown as "Mother James," O'Briant has given birth to numerous talents (models, actors, actresses) through a modelling agency named after himself. He himself is an actor of considerable filmography, appearing in a number of films and series by controversial writer-director Darryl Yap.

James O'Briant lives up to his initials--JOB! He does his job seamlessly and with a lot of enthusiasm, which earns him the trust of his clients and the respect of his peers.

Other achievements
🏆National Finalist HIBLA NATIONAL DESIGNERS COMPETITION in Puerto Princesa Palawan Nov.2024
🏆National Finalist LIKHA NATIONAL FILIPINIANA DESIGNING COMPETITION 2022
🏆 Binibining Pilipinas Sustainable Fashion Show 2023 Fashion Designer
🏆 Binibining Pilipinas 2024 Sustainable Fashion Show Official Fashion Designer for the 2nd time
🏆 NATIONAL COSTUME DESIGNER for ZAMBALES in Binibining Pilipinas 2024
🏆Official gown designer for Miss Guatemala Intercontinental 2019
And the list go on..

Ria Glece Butler

Official Photographer

Glece is the smile behind where creativity meets technology. Her creative profession as a photographer is ever growing with a passion for portrait and event photography. She’s a believer that on a rainy day through the right lense, a bright perspective and emotion can be captured. When not behind the camera she puts great efforts into ensuring those caputred moments are digitally enhanced to catch anyone’s attention using the latest technology such as AI, Adobe Creative Suite, and more. Her creative nature has also allowed her to excel in graphic design services such as branding and marketing design, social media content creation, and more. At home she’s a proud wife and mother of two beautiful young daughters.

Camella O'Briant

Administrative Assistant

A retired Master Sergeant of the United States Air Force, having honorably served for 20 years before retiring in 2019. During her military career, she held key positions in Human Resources and Medical Administration, gaining extensive experience in leadership and personnel management. After retirement, she embraced the role of a stay-at-home mom, dedicating her time to raising her family and supporting her husband in his music and event production endeavors. Camella holds a Master’s degree in Management and is currently pursuing her second Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland, driven by her passion for understanding human behavior and fostering personal growth.

Landon Metz

Security Lead

Currently attending the University of the Incarnate Word as a pre-pharmacy major. Landon is also an athlete and plays basketball. He was a varsity basketball player in his high school. At six years old, Landon was a Taekwondo black belt.
Landon recently started his new business, Platinum Powerwash, as a sole owner.