Ella represents Bulacao, Cebu City and is Candidate #18 in the Queen Mother of Cebu 2024 Beauty Pageant
So, how did you get into pageantry? What made you want to compete?
Ella: I have been to pageantry since college days; pushed by my friends for the sake of grades. Then it continued until it became a source of income. Now, I am joining the Queen Mother of cebu 2024 to celebrate my 30th birthday in a special way.
What does beauty mean to you? Is it more than just looks?
Ella: Beauty is more than the physical attributes but more in the affectional attribute. A person is beautiful when he is kind to the people regardless of the status quo of the person. He is willing to lend a helping hand whenever or whatever the situation is.
What makes you special and what sets you apart from the other contestants?
Ella: The thing that makes me special is my sense of humor. Whenever the challenges of the pageantry hit hard, I can still crack jokes to my QMC sisters to lighten things up. I always see the positive side of things and smile in tough situations.
If you win, how would you use your title to help others?
Ella: For the past 5 years, I have been working on my advocacy, ‘KABATAANG MAGULANG, ATING TUTUKAN.’ It is a remediation scheme aimed at holistically assisting young parents in completing their education. If I win, I will use this platform to reach more stakeholders and secure additional funding to support more identified young parents. I will also leverage the title to amplify this advocacy, hoping to garner attention from our honorable government officials, and ideally, encourage the creation of legislation in support of this cause.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve learned from being in pageants?
Ella: The coolest thing I’ve learned from being in the pageants are the different tricks in order to be more presentable on stage. Do you know candidates put ice on their faces so that pores appear smaller and make up stays longer? Do you know that there are lotions that can cover your scars and make your skin look perfect? Those tricks are really cool!
How do you deal with people who might say mean things?
Ella: I always believe in the saying, “Out from the abundance of the heart, your mouth speaks.” So, whenever a person is mean to me, I always wonder what kind of life this person has that makes him mean. So instead of being angry, I pity him. Thus, those words are just empty and never get to me.
Tell us about a time something amazing happened during a pageant!
Ella: During a pageant way back in my college years, I was the underdog. There were many who questioned why I joined. They were saying that I was not beautiful, not sexy, not beauty queen material. Instead of being affected, I challenged myself. I started eating clean and took good care of myself. Guess what? I got the crown and everyone was shocked!
What kind of person do you think does well in pageants?
Ella: A person who does well in pageants is a person who is self-aware. That person knows herself so much that if ever she is shaken, she goes back to her core why’s. She stands up once again, fights again, and defies odds repeatedly over and over again. In the pageantry world where everything seems to be perfect and glamorous, when the spotlight turns off, you go home and be that normal person you truly are.
Being in a pageant means a lot of people are watching. How do you stay yourself through it all?
Ella: In a pageant, you cannot be swayed by people who have side comments. But whenever you are bombarded with those, go back to the reason why you joined. Go back to the values you believe in. Go back to the people who truly know you. In today’s world, where many exist just to attain people’s approval, be authentic.
What do you dream of doing in the future, pageant world or not?
Ella: I am not closing my doors on pageantry; may it be in the spotlight or behind the spotlight. But right now, my dream is to build a charity organization named AMBUSH Foundation focusing on young parents. This foundation will be built together with my team. Our goal is to assist them in their education and livelihood until they can stand on their own. I really believe that in order for the family to be strong- parents should be strong with a solid footing.
Ella’s is proud to promote her beauty consultants and sponsors; here they are:
HMUA : Bobbie Albert
Rhey Rousell Reste
Assist : Georgia Meyor
Gowns : Oftana Gown and Suit Collection
Heels : Montalban
Nails and Lashes : Llarina Karimadon
Sponsors:
Holy Family Academy Montessori
Mr. Kenneth Dumam-ag
Mrs. Aisha Marie Gomez
