Mrs. Universe National Director Maria Charo Calalo crowning glory
Every year, Filipinos eagerly anticipate the pageant season, ready to throw their passionate support behind their favorite candidates. Whether local or international, each pageant becomes a rousing celebration of Filipina femininity, beauty, and power. But there is another rising star in the pageant world that’s gaining significant recognition for its distinct advocacy – Mrs. Universe.
Established in 2007, Mrs. Universe is an international event first launched in Bulgari. But what makes Mrs. Universe truly unique is its singular focus on celebrating the remarkable accomplishments and roles of married women as wives, mothers, and community builders. Committed to “significant progress in truth, love and purpose,” the organization shines the spotlight on women’s immense contributions to society and their inspiring journeys of personal growth and achievement.
Maria Charo Calalo, the pageant’s National Director and Mrs. Universe Philippines titleholder for 2019-2020, is excited to introduce the organization and its causes to a wider audience, confident that this year’s edition – to be held in the Philippines for the first time – will open up new opportunities for pageant aficionados and candidates. “While other pageants aim for fashion and modeling, Mrs. Universe is all about recognizing and celebrating a woman’s beauty - on the outside as well as from within.”
Since its launch, 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 a refreshing turn as the event welcomes the often-overlooked population – married women, divorcees, and widows between the ages of 18 and 55. “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. “Violence – in the form of physical or mental abuse, catcalling, bullying, racism, cyberbullying - is a global social disease that needs to be stopped. And the only way to end it is through the conscious and collective effort of all in advocating for peace, love, hope, and beauty.”
Calalo, a mother of three and multi-hyphenate entrepreneur and singer, has found that the organization’s values and vision resonate deeply within her, which is why she has taken on the herculean task and role of leading the pageant. “When I was just a participant, I saw what the Mrs. Universe organization was trying to achieve and I believed in it. I want to share this vision with our community and bring this positive change to the Philippines. We have a lot of abused women and children in our country, and they live in silence, fear, hopelessness, and shame. I want to change that,” she shares sternly. “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 smiles.
With the pageant just around the corner, to be held at Resorts World Manila on October 8, 2023, Calalo invites all to support this event and join them in finding “the most honorable married woman.”
“My message to all women is that you are important. Every woman is worthy and can bring significant positive value to her family, community, and country. We are women capable of achieving great things. Thus, we must no longer be silent; no longer be shameful; no longer be doubtful or hopeless. Let us rise with hope and happiness in our hearts. We are empowered women because we are the queens of our universe!”
