Two MUPH candidates advocate arts, sustainable livelihood
TWO contestants for the upcoming Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) pageant with radically distinct backgrounds will simply make use of their perspectives to encourage people and the general public to work toward change and systems that benefit the majority.
Bianca Gaviola of Bohol province and Daniella Villar of Cabanatuan City told The Manila Times in an interview that by getting involved with advocacy and purposeful work on the ground, we can make a difference and encourage others to take action as well.
Gaviola, a 24-year-old community leader from Bohol, is a political science graduate who participated in Pilipinas Got Talent Season 6 with sand art painting.
She stressed that she is proud to be the sole prominent champion for the arts among the candidates and that she will use her talent to serve her community.
“Way back in 2018, I competed in Pilipinas Got Talent Season 6, where I performed a sand art painting inspired by my life story of having to grow up with a single mother in the province,” said Gaviola.
“When the episode was released, I was overwhelmed with how much impact I was able to make through television and social media. The episode gained millions of views and touched the hearts of Filipinos around the world,” Gaviola said.
“It made me realize how important creative individuals are in our society — to tell stories and make people feel something, to campaign for issues that matter and to mobile causes that invest in our society,” she added.
Gaviola also stated that one of her projects is “Trash to Life” with the assistance of the Tagbilaran city government, in which they use a heat press machine to melt and transform trash into curated materials such as bags, wallets, slippers, accessories and painting canvases made from 100 percent recycled plastics, with the profits going to the province’s women and creative out-of-school youths.
Meanwhile, Villar, a Tourism Management student who has also competed in beauty competitions, told The Times that she is not ashamed about selling meals at her school to fund her schooling.
She considers that enlightening others about her life experiences will serve as an inspiration, as she asserts that dealing with your fears is the most powerful way to better your life.
“Joining Miss Universe Philippines will help me reach a broader audience for sustainable livelihood projects among the women of Cabanatuan, especially those single moms, elderly and outof-school youth who assemble garland made from our famous National Flower Sampaguita,” Villar said.
“I empathize with these women’s situations, which is why I have the audacity to take action for what is right and to generate great opportunities, because now more than ever, I want to be not only the next Miss Universe, but your Miss Universe Philippines with a cause,” she added.
In an attempt to win the country’s fifth title in the international competition, this year’s pageant is the fifth edition of the standalone search for the representative of the country in the annual Miss Universe competition, which will take place in Mexico later this year.