Rica is candidate number 21 in the Queen Mother of Cebu 2024 beauty pageant and is representing Tuburan, Cebu,
How did you get into pageantry?
Rica: I used to join beauty pageants during my younger years simply to boost my confidence and the confidence of others. I had a dream to become a beauty queen that could inspire people, and that is still a pleasant dream.
What made you want to compete?
Rica: Now that I’ve become a mother, a single mom at that, I aim to inspire, uplift, and amplify our voices to promote better understanding and support for all single mothers. Simultaneously, I want to show my daughter that nothing is impossible with faith and hard work toward our dreams.
What does beauty mean to you? It’s more than just looks, right?
Rica: Yes, Beauty for me is more than just the looks! Beauty is how you are as a person; it’s your character that embodies you as a whole and it’s the beauty that radiates from within.
What makes you special? What sets you apart from the other contestants?
Rica: I have to say that all of us are special but I guess being a single mom for ten years who has fought so many silent battles and who lives life positively, I’d like to say that I am much stronger and more resilient. I managed to raise my daughter without any support (emotionally, mentally, physically and financially) from her father since day 1, which has made me the best version of myself.
If you win, how would you use your title to help others?
Rica: If I were crowned as Queen Mother of Cebu 2024, I would use that opportunity to champion my advocacy, which is to promote a better understanding of and support for all single moms. I envision collaborating with different LGUs, starting with the town I represent, Tuburan. I will actively participate in charity works organized by the Queen Mother of Cebu Organization and propose a charity drive specifically tailored for single moms. A self-care initiative would be wonderful, providing a platform for single mothers to openly discuss our concerns and address the challenges we face.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve learned from being in pageants?
Rica: I have learned that you don’t compete with your co-candidates but you compete with yourself. ☺️
How do you deal with people who might say mean things?
Rica: With all the things I’ve been through in life, I learned to not mind every negative thing people throw at me because I know we cannot please everybody. I just deal with them with a smile and to show them kindness because as the saying goes “Kill them with kindness”. Also, I just pray and lift everything to God because it helps a lot.
Tell us about a time something amazing happened during a pageant!
Rica: In all honesty, having to experience outreach programs and charity drives in Queen Mother of Cebu, where I can see children smiling from ear to ear during our charity visit, is something that I consider as an amazing journey. It touches my heart that I cannot simply describe through words on how grateful I am to be part of this amazing organization.
What kind of person do you think does well in pageants?
Rica: A person with a good heart to help. A person with a greater purpose and advocate for a cause.
Being in a pageant means a lot of people are watching. How do you stay yourself through it all?
Rica: To be uniquely confident, I have to embrace and accept myself as I am.
What do you dream of doing in the future, pageant world or not?
Rica: I dream to be promoted at work and to own a business in the future. Also, if God permits, I hope to give my daughter a family she’s been praying. I still hope that I get to find someone who can be a good husband and a best dad to my children. 🙂
Sponsors
Mayor Aljun Diamante
Vice Mayor Danny Diamante
Mayor Romeo Villaceran & Family
Ms. Kim Raza-Mantujac of Duros Development Corporation
Engr. Lance C. Maningo of Golden Hammer Const.
Sponsors (continued)
Jead Yray of J&J Build
Engr Hector P. Jamora
Engr Rey C. Mariñas
Engr. Joan Lao
Ms. Rosaline Quisel
Sponsors (Continued)
The Teacup
Sway Cañete
Eve Lañojan
Joanna Lañojan
Joycie Lañojan
Ilyn Tirado
