Julia Mendoza. Image from Instagram
MANILA, Philippines — Nanette Medved breathed new life to the beloved Filipino comic book superheroine “Darna” in the early 90s, the first actress to sport a tiara instead of a skullcap, and even held a white-collar job as a journalist a la “Superman’s” Clark Kent. And with her heroic exploits transcending beyond the silver screen, another lady who people say resembles her looks is also doing her share of real-life heroism.
Pageant veteran Julia Mendoza, a candidate in this year’s Binibining Pilipinas pageant from Roxas City, Capiz, said she had already hung her cape from pageantry. But a recent tragedy that befell her family prodded her to put her heels back on and take advantage of the contest’s platform to deliver an important message, and share her story.
“The main reason I joined Binibini is because my advocacy is in line with the Bb. Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) which is HIV/AIDS awareness. And it’s really something close to my heart, because six months ago my sister passed away because of it,” Mendoza told the Inquirer in a recent interview.
“It’s easy for people to judge something they don’t understand, that is why I really want to break the stigma and the discrimination. And I know that Binibini will really help me to reach out, and promote awareness about it. If people get educated about it, the people living with HIV can live a normal life. I really also want to tell them that there’s life after HIV. Your life will not stop,” continued the 27-year-old entrepreneur.
But while Medved founded the social enterprises GenerationHOPE Inc. and Friends of HOPE Inc., Mendoza is taking it slow, and sought a nongovernment organization to work with. “I partnered with the Association of Positive Women Advocates Inc. (APWAI), and we are supporting women, including trans women, and children who are positive with HIV. We give small business opportunities for them to continue their lives, and provide accessible but inexpensive education to the children,” she shared.
The two ladies came across each other in person when the former actress sat in the judging panel of the 2022 Century Superbods competition where Mendoza finished in the Top 8 of the female division. They did not have time to speak with each other, though, but the beauty contestant said a lot of people pointed out their resemblance to each other. “I feel kilig naman,” she gushed.
Mendoza said that like Medved, she too is a real-life Darna because, “I am a strong independent woman. I don’t need a man to support me. I can be my own kind of boss.” That is why if they ever cross paths again, the Capizeña said she will ask the philanthropist how she found the courage to stand up in the past. “I know there was a lot of judgment, even before when she played Darna. I want her to inspire me about her journey,” the contestant said.
The Bb. Pilipinas aspirant said she really wants to emulate Medved, “to really inspire and really motivate a lot of people, and to reach out and help communities one at a time.”
Mendoza is among 40 candidates competing in the 2023 Bb. Pilipinas pageant, which will culminate in a grand coronation program at the Smart Araneta Coliseum at the Araneta City in Quezon City on May 28. BPCI did not reveal yet how many crowns will be awarded this year. EDV