Actress-beauty queen Charo Laude uses pageantry to empower, inspire

Actress Charo Laude has been mounting her own national pageant after representing the Philippines at the Mrs. Universe contest, and she said the platform serves as an opportunity to help empower and inspire women.

Her recent staging of the Mrs. Universe Philippines pageant in June saw the coronation of Kapampangan entrepreneur Fatima Figueroa Alvarez, who is now poised to represent the country at the Mrs. Universe pageant in Sri Lanka in October.

“Thank you for your trust and for giving me this platform to serve with purpose. I promise to wear this crown with humility, grace and integrity,” Alvarez said at her recent victory press conference held at Belmont Hotel in Pasay City.

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“This crown is more than a title, it is a responsibility. And during my reign, I hope to empower women through entrepreneurship and community service, support meaningful outreach programs,” she added.

But aside from her coronation, Laude’s pageant also proclaimed celebrity mothers as ambassadresses of the Mrs. Universe Philippines Organization — Kapuso actresses Chariz Solomon and Kris Bernal.

It was not the first time for Laude’s national pageant to bestow special titles to celebrities. In 2023, Andrea del Rosario was crowned as Mrs. Universe Philippines Queen Tourism Ambassador, and several others followed in the succeeding years.

“Our special titles are a way of recognizing influential women who use their platform to make a meaningful difference. By honoring respected personalities, we hope to inspire more people to embrace advocacies that uplift communities and empower women,” Laude told Inquirer Entertainment.

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She said the celebrity awardees help amplify her pageant’s mission to promote education, health, women’s empowerment, family values and humanitarian service.

“We look beyond fame. We recognize women whose lives reflect integrity, compassion, resilience and a genuine commitment to making a positive impact. Our celebrity awardees should be inspiring mothers, responsible role models, and women who use their influence to promote kindness, empowerment and meaningful advocacies,” Laude said.

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Under her stewardship, the Mrs. Universe Philippines pageant has also been sending formidable entries to the international stage who bring home honor to the country.

“I believe our success comes from our commitment to developing women of substance, not just beauty queens. At Mrs. Universe Philippines, we carefully select delegates who embody grace, intelligence, resilience, and a genuine passion for service,” Laude said.

She is confident that Alvarez will be able to sustain the Philippines’ impressive record at the upcoming international competition. “Fatima has all the qualities of an outstanding international representative. She is elegant, confident, compassionate, and deeply committed to her advocacy,” she said.

“More than winning a crown, I expect her to inspire people through her authenticity and leadership. I have always believed in her potential, and now she has the opportunity to share the beauty, strength and resilience of the Filipino woman with the world. I know she will carry our flag with honor and make every Filipino proud,” Laude added. /ra