Move over, TikTok influencers - we’ve got a real OG trailblazer who’s about to turn 100, and her story is way more epic than your latest viral dance challenge.

Penny Wong isn’t just another centenarian; she’s San Francisco Chinatown’s first-ever beauty pageant royalty, and her backstory is pure vintage sass. Back in 1948, when most young women were playing it safe, Wong strutted her stuff in a one-piece swimsuit and snagged the inaugural Miss Chinatown title like an absolute boss.

From Pageant Crown to Party Queen

Imagine winning a beauty pageant with a cardboard crown and then proceeding to party so hard you get fired from your day job. That’s exactly what Wong did. “After I won, I went out every night, partying, partying. That’s how I got fired,” she candidly shared. Talk about living your best life before it was even a hashtag!

Breaking Barriers, One Swimsuit at a Time

In an era when cultural representation was practically non-existent, Wong was breaking ground faster than a tech startup disrupts an industry. Her pageant wasn’t just about looks - it was a statement. “It was fun to be in it, I did not expect to win,” she recalled, proving that confidence is timeless.

A Century of Fabulous

Now, as she approaches her 100th birthday on April 12, 2025, Wong continues to be a living legend. Residing in an assisted living facility in Millbrae, she’s proof that age is just a number and that true spirit never gets old. We’re betting she might still have a few party tricks up her sleeve.

Here’s to Penny Wong: pioneering badass, beauty queen, and absolute mood.