A Filipina has finally won the Mrs. Universe crown. Meranie Gadiana Rahman, a native of Cagayan de Oro who migrated to Hawaii, USA, emerged victorious among 90 candidates from around the world during the grand coronation night of the 46th Mrs. Universe pageant, recently held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Newport World Resorts in Pasay City.
“I am thrilled to be the first Filipina to wear the Mrs. Universe crown,” said Rahman, a mother who survived and recovered from postpartum depression.
The model and beauty queen founded the ‘You Are Loved Foundation for Postpartum Depression,’ a non-profit organization that raises awareness about postpartum depression, a medical condition experienced by new mothers after childbirth. Common symptoms include mood swings, crying spells, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping.
Rahman, who won as Mrs. Philippines World 2021 and Mrs. Hawaii 2019, went through postpartum depression and was advised by her husband, a medical doctor, to join in pageants which helped in her healing and recovery. She studied and received a Postnatal Depression Awareness Diploma, and gave talks on TV and radio about postpartum depression based on her own experiences. She was awarded by the Hawaii House of Representatives for her contribution to promoting postpartum depression awareness.
Rahman’s runners-up were Kalpana Shukia of UK India (1st runner-up), Arlene Cris Damot of the Philippines (2nd runner-up), Emma Melik-Adaman of Black Sea (3rd runner-up), and Anna Pechurina of Moscow (4th runner-up).
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International pageant redefines relevance of beauty contests
Meanwhile, the first Mr. & Ms. Posture International (MMPI) pageant, an unconventional pageant for people who “Think, Eat, Move, and Stand Right,” was launched by the Chiropractic Diplomatic Corps (CDC) during the recent celebration of World Spine Day. The pageant aims to bring awareness to the disparity of available chiropractors in the world.
The very idea of the MMPI reimagines and redefines the relevance of a beauty contest from a commonplace standpoint to something that goes beyond concept and definition. It distinguishes itself as the only pageant that focuses on a natural health lifestyle and chiropractic care as an alternative health care modality.
The contestants will be given lessons on the advantages of a natural healthy lifestyle and chiropractic care and will compete in a live essay competition. The Chiropractic Diplomatic Corps Inc. is looking for winners who will best represent the organization and are passionate about creating a platform that creates a positive impact on people and communities
The inaugural MMPI will be held in Bangalore, India in October 2024.
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Riza Oben Dormiendo named Miss IWCPI 2023
Miss Inner Wheel Club of the Philippines International (IWCPI) 2023 crowned Riza Oben Dormiendo during the IWCPI United Nations Day celebration at One Shangri-la Place, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. Dormiendo emerged victorious from a pool of more than 150 candidates from various IWC districts after the top five contestants engaged in a final question-and-answer round.
“Thank you so much to my Sisterhood in IWC Muntinlupa Filinvest District 383, to my District Chairman Analie Bolinao and National President Sofie Lee, for making this honor possible, said Dormiendo, Club President of Inner Wheel Club (IWC) Muntinlupa Filinvest District 383.
The International Inner Wheel (IIW) operates in 103 countries with 3,895 clubs. The IWCPI is governed by a National Board and a Board of Trustees, consisting of nine officers (EXECOM) and nine district chairpersons.