CEBU, Philippines — It’s been said time and again that apart from capability, destiny and luck somehow play a hand in pageantry. Take it from Ilene Astrid De Vera who won as Mutya ng Pilipinas-Asia Pacific International 2017 despite being a rookie.
After placing fourth in Miss Asia Pacific International in the same year, Ilene is determined to take her pageant dreams to greater heights by joining the 2019 batch of Binibining Pilipinas candidates.
The Mass Communications graduate from UP Cebu told The Freeman how she decided to join this year’s Bb. Pilipinas edition after turning over her Mutya ng Pilipinas-Asia Pacific International crown last August and after completing her Miss Asia Pacific International responsibilities.
Ilene said that she’s gained experience and has learned the ropes of the industry within two years of living independently in Manila.
“It’s a completely different experience now because I’ve been preparing as early as November 2018. I’ve been polishing my pasarela [pageant walk] and have been constantly repackaging myself,” she shared.
“I’ve been focusing on getting more updated with other social and current issues happening in and outside the country mainly because I want to expand my knowledge and be more opinionated on these things,” said the Kagandahang Flores trainee.
“It helps a lot that I have a background in journalism and broadcasting in college so the training is not new to me. I’ve been reading news and editorials and have been getting more involved in doing more social work the past few months. I’m very happy that it was the kind of training I had earlier because it feels like I’m just reviewing my past learnings.”
This time around, the professional model said that she’s more driven, determined and disciplined, which is why people should look out for her this year.
Returning to the national stage, Ilene admitted that there is a certain pressure which stems from already being a national title-holder and an international pageant runner-up.
“But I’m learning to trust myself and enjoy more this time around. I don’t only want the Cebuanos to be proud of me but the whole country as well.”
What does the 23-year-old daughter of a single mother consider her strongest suit?
“I honestly think it’s having experience in representing the country in an international pageant. That whole journey opened my mind and made me realize that pageantry is still relevant in this day and age. Also through that pageant I was able to meet a lot of girls from different cultures, religions and social classes which inspired me more to continue promoting my personal causes in another pageant.”
Ilene has continued to help the organizations behind her title, which was why she moved to Manila. She is also pursuing her first love which is modelling and has been fine-tuning her hosting skills.
“I’d like to think that I found another thing in life that I’m really passionate about. Pageantry is more than how people see it from the media. Pageantry molds a person’s whole being. It boosts your confidence and teaches you so much about yourself,” she said.
Ilene also took the opportunity to talk about one of her many passions: “Volunteerism is something that I have been doing for quite some time now and is something I’m very passionate about. One of the things that I’m most proud is joining the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency. I want others to realize that little things like lending a hand to others will really go a long way.”
The Mandaue City native wants to take home the coveted Miss Universe Philippines crown, saying that nothing is impossible when one comes in prepared.
“I’d like to be the next Cebuana to bring home the Miss Universe Philippines crown after Pilar Pilapil. I know it takes a lot to reach that goal but with the right mind and heart, I know it won’t be impossible to do so.”
As she puts it, life went a bit too fast since joining beauty competitions, but she’s learned to relish every moment. The decisions she’s made since has changed her life for the better, all the while learning the power of believing in one’s self. After all, she didn’t expect to represent the country at 22 years old.
For anyone who might feel like they’re going into unchartered waters as they chase their dreams and build new ones, Ilene shares the mantra she’s always lived by: “What’s meant for you will be yours. It’s only a matter of time.”