Marathoner hopes to make pageant comeback with Miss Universe’s lifting of age cap

Selena Antonio-Reyes/ARMIN P. ADINA

MANILA, Philippines — When fitness influencer Selena Antonio-Reyes joined Binibining Pilipinas in 2010, she was already at the highest allowable age of 27, which prevented her from going back for another shot at a national title. But after the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) announced that it is lifting the maximum age cap, the marathon enthusiast is considering staging a pageant comeback.

“Well, I am strongly thinking about this,” Reyes told INQUIRER.net in an interview at a fitness event held in Pasig City on Oct. 13. She had just arrived from Berlin where she took part in a marathon.

The now-married 37-year-old is also engaged in yoga, spinning, and other physically exhausting activities, as if she had not finished a 42-kilometer run miles away. She has been actively promoting a healthier lifestyle, encouraging women to choose the form of exercise they can enjoy doing the most.

When Reyes heard the news that MUO now allows women of all ages to take part in affiliate competitions, she had already mapped out her fitness calendar that will take her to different parts of the world. That is why she had put her pageant pursuit on stand by as of the moment.

“We just finished the Berlin marathon, then in December I’m going to represent the Philippines in Abu Dhabi for the World Championships of Spartan. And then next year, I have lined up Tokyo and London Marathons as well,” she revealed.

Her most recent “pageant” gig, though, was just last year, when she took part in the 2022 Century Superbods search at the age of 36. Although not really a beauty contest, the competition ignited in her a desire to participate in a display of beauty and talent on the stage.

“I missed the whole thing of pageantry. I mean, I was able to experience it again. So it became another eye-opening experience for me. So I think I would like to try again. But I’m not sure if next year would be the best year for me, but who knows?” she said.

She also acknowledged that there is still a strong opposition to MUO’s recent directive allowing married women and mothers, and accepting women of all ages. To the detractors, she said, “I think it’s the discretion of the organization since the organization allowed married women or women with kids. I mean, why not give the women their freedom to choose if they do want to join or not?”

Reyes said the move provides women “more opportunities to go out, be who they want to be in whatever platform” and will not limit a woman, whether she is married, or whether she has children, to be able to fulfill their dreams. “Because a lot of women like me, when I joined my pageant during 2010, that was the last cut for the age. So I didn’t have another chance to join for another year,” she explained.

“So I think this will open a lot of opportunities for a lot of women to voice out what they want to voice out, to experience new things, and to enjoy life. Life is just about enjoying everything that comes through,” Reyes continued.

MUO said the new directive lifting the maximum age cap will take effect in the 2024 competition. The rule allowing mothers and married women to participate in the pageant was implemented this year. For the 2023 Miss Universe pageant, Colombia and Guatemala are fielding married delegates. EDV