Lovely Galely is one of the eight finalists in the Mutya ng San Francisco 2024 beauty pageant. She is from a well-known beauty queen family but is still learning the ropes. Obviously, as you will read and view, she is a quick learner.
What inspired you to participate in this pageant?
Growing up with a family of beauty queens, at first, my reason was just to satisfy people’s expectations of me to follow my sister’s path. But I have realized that I don’t have to please others to prove that I am also capable. This platform is one way to enlarge my comfort zone, a testament that I am a woman who will undertake meaningful causes and inspire positive change.
What qualities do you think are important for a beauty queen?
I believe it is being authentic—being true to herself about her purpose because it reflects sincerity and passion. Dedication to personal growth and continuous learning helps a beauty queen evolve and lead by example.
How do you plan to use your platform if you win this pageant?
If I am crowned, I will use this platform to empower young women by creating a supportive community where we lift each other up and celebrate our womanhood. Fostering a community where young women feel safe to embrace their identity and speak their truths without judgment. By promoting self-love, together we can break down barriers and pave the way for a future where all women feel empowered to thrive and succeed.
How do you stay confident and maintain a positive attitude during the competition?
By not comparing myself to anybody. As a first-timer in pageantry, I am intimidated by the other candidates who already have experience. Believing in continuous learning and maintaining a mindset that you only have to compare yourself to the person you were yesterday—because even if you are a little bit better than yesterday, you’re meeting your own definition of success.
What challenges have you faced during your pageant journey, and how have you overcome them?
The biggest challenge I’ve faced is that this is my first time joining a beauty pageant. The fear of making a mistake since it has not sunk in deeply that I am where I want to be. This is what I want to do, so I have to invest in myself to become better. We have to deal with things as they come, not as we fear. Because knowledge is limitless, and I am a lifelong learner.
What do you think sets you apart from the other contestants in this pageant?
Every individual is unique in their own way, but what sets me apart is that I do everything despite fear. I see fear as a motivator to move forward because it gives you a sense that you’re entering the unknown in your life. If you have fear, you know you will overcome something you never thought you could. If it doesn’t scare you, it doesn’t grow you.
How do you balance your pageant duties with other responsibilities in your life?
I am currently a student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Mindanao, and balancing academics with pageant preparation is a challenge. However, I have chosen to be here because I am passionate about both. I manage my time by creating and managing my schedule, prioritizing tasks, and seeking support from family and friends. This balance teaches me resilience and discipline, which are essential for my personal growth.
What do you think is the biggest issue facing young women today, and how can it be addressed?
As part of the youth in San Francisco, I see teenage pregnancy as still rampant in my municipality. By implementing my advocacy “SaferGirls,” we can provide young women with reproductive health education, empowering them about their responsibilities and choices regarding their sexual health. I couldn’t just stand on the sidelines and watch my peers go through the hardship of being teenage parents. We must address this to give them another chance to take charge of their lives, creating an environment where all young women are well-equipped to thrive every day.
How do you plan to give back to your community if you win this pageant?
If I win this pageant, I will dedicate myself to my advocacy, “SaferGirls.” My goal is to create an environment where all young women are knowledgeable about their reproductive health. I will organize educational workshops and partner with local government units and healthcare providers to ensure access to accurate information and resources. By fostering safe spaces for open discussion, I aim to empower young women to make informed decisions and prioritize their health and safety.
What advice would you give to young women who are considering entering a pageant?
Your mind will always believe everything you tell it. Prove to yourself that you are what you say you are. There is great power in believing in yourself. Enter yourself into the unknown where many possibilities await you. Become the person you want to be.
