Meet the mothers who are competing at Miss Universe Philippines 2023
Last year, Miss Universe made an inclusive change by allowing both wives and mothers to compete for the title. A game changer in the pageant’s 71-year run, it’s implementation conveys an empowering message; That regardless of a woman’s marital and parental status, her capacity to inspire will never falter.
Effective this year, the groundbreaking rule has now made its way into our local competition. Following the announcement of their official candidates, Miss Universe Philippines introduces its first set of beauty queen-mommies.
By welcoming Clare Dacanay, Joemay-An Leo, and Eileen Gonzales, these exceptional and beautiful ladies are attempting to create history.
Already creating quite the buzz and deservingly so, here’s what we know about them so far.
Meet the mothers who are competing at Miss Universe Philippines 2023
Clare Dacanay
Easily one of the most recognizable faces due to her distinct look, Clare is 24 years old, representing Paranaque City. Juggling her life as both a mother and a student, she’s currently taking up interior design while also caring for her young daughter.
Training under the beauty camp Aces and Queens, Clare’s advocacy is postpartum depression awareness. A mental health illness relating to childbirth, she hopes to shed more light about the condition.
Joemay-an Leo
As one of the pleasant surprises during the official announcement, Joemay-an is 27 years old. Both a wife and a mother, she hails from the mountain region of the Cordilleras, particularly in Benguet.
Coming from both the Igorot and Ibaloi tribe, she advocates for cultural awareness and sensitivity. Hoping to eradicate misconceptions by teaching more about our country’s indigenous groups.
Eileen Gonzales
Finally ready to return to pageantry Eileen Gonzales is aiming to unlock another victory. Not her first time competing as a mother, Eileen already had her child when she won Miss Global Philippines in 2018. She would eventually place in the Top 20 of Miss Global 2018.
Now, 27, Eileen will be representing the Quezon City. Currently training under the camp, Kagandahang Flores, she is advocating for solo parents.
Helping expand a more diverse group of candidates, the representation of Clare, Joemay-an, and Eileen for this year’s edition is not only unique and intriguing. More than just their backstory, these queens are teaching us a valuable lesson:
No restriction is powerful enough to stop someone who’s meant to conquer the universe.
