A mother of three, entrepreneur and singer, Maria Charo Calalo leads the local search for an international beauty pageant as its national director — ensuring that the competition becomes an avenue where married women, divorcees and widows can celebrate their many achievements as they use their collective voices to battle domestic abuse, bullying and depression.
Every year, Filipinos eagerly anticipate the pageant season, ready to throw their passionate support behind their favorite candidates. But away from the many pageants that celebrate the single ladies, there is one dedicated solely for the “light of the home.”
“Our objective is to really unite countries under one mission — to empower women and create positive change and be advocates against domestic abuse, bullying, and depression.” shares Calalo. Unlike other pageants that exclusively celebrate the single woman, Mrs. Universe trains the spotlight on the often-overlooked population – married women, divorcees, and widows between the ages of 18 and 55.
Since its launch in 2007, Mrs. Universe has taken great progressive strides, fighting ageism and beauty standards, while redefining what it means to be a woman in current society. It’s message resonates well with Calalo, who herself is a previous Mrs. Universe Philippines winner.
“I, too, am a victim of violence. But I am proof that there is hope and there is beauty and happiness once we believe in ourselves. We can achieve what we put our minds to and be a voice for other victims of abuse and violence. If I can empower one woman of abuse, then I am happy. And if that same woman can influence others to do the same, I will be fulfilled,” she says with a smile. “Let us rise with hope and happiness in our hearts. We are empowered women because we are the queens of our universe!”
Mrs. Universe Philippines will be held on Sunday, June 18 at the Rizal Park Hotel, while Mrs. Universe will be held in the Philippines for the first time at Newport World Resorts on Oct. 8, 2023.
