(From left) Eileen Gonzales, Clare Dacanay and Joemay Leo. Image: Facebook/Miss Universe Philippines
Empowered moms Eileen Gonzales, Clare Dacanay and Joemay Leo first caught the attention of pageant fans when they were announced as candidates for Miss Universe Philippines (MUPh) in February 2023; yet they remain firm in their purpose to inspire women to pursue their dreams even if they have children.
The candidates spoke about “breaking barriers” as mothers in pageantry in an interview with Empire Philippines, as seen on its official website on Wednesday, May 10. This marks the first time the MUPh organization has accepted mothers and married women in a rare move to expand its eligibility for aspiring candidates.
“We’re actually being someone we want to be and I think that’s what makes them irritated,” Dacanay was quoted as saying. “We’re not following the social norm, we’re going beyond the norm.”
Meanwhile, Leo says being an MUPh candidate is a way of empowering her daughter to pursue her dreams. “[I want my daughter to one day realize] na si ‘Mama ko, kinaya niya,’” she said in the feature.
“Mayroong stigma when it comes to being a [mom], kaya tayo nandito—to break that mindset,” Gonzales said, echoing Leo’s statement.
Dacanay also stressed that their pageant journey is about showing mothers are capable of achieving their dreams, and that having children is not the end of living their lives for themselves.
“We went through the hardest thing in life which is giving birth, having a baby. It’s not always gonna be perfect but just keep enjoying [it]. Look at the brighter picture,” she added.
Reigning titleholder Celeste Cortesi is set to pass her crown at the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 coronation night on Saturday, May 13. The pageant recently held its preliminary competition, which included the swimsuit, evening gown and interview portions.
The upcoming coronation will reportedly witness three queens being crowned as Miss Universe Philippines, Miss Charm Philippines and Miss Supranational Philippines, although the MUPh organization has yet to confirm the reports. /ra