Imelda Schweighart: A Purpose Beyond the Crown
After stepping away from pageantry, Imelda Schweighart returns to compete —not just as a contender, but as a mother with a deeper sense of purpose
For many, pageants are about beauty, poise, and performance. But for Imelda Schweighart, her comeback to the Miss Universe Philippines stage marks something more personal: a story of growth, resilience, and redefining what it means to chase a dream—this time, with her son watching.
Imelda is no stranger to competition. She first gained national attention through Miss Philippines Earth, eventually representing the country on the international stage in 2016. Her journey, however, was not without challenges, including a controversial resignation that led her to step back from pageantry.
Years later, she rebuilt herself—exploring new paths as an entrepreneur and DJ and joining a fitness competition that tested both her physical and mental strength. She also tried out for Miss Universe Germany.
In 2025, she made a surprising yet meaningful announcement: she was returning to pageantry, representing Kalibo, Aklan in Miss Universe Philippines.
Only this time, she comes back not just as a candidate—but as a mom.
A different mindset
“Before, I was younger and trying to prove something to the world,” Imelda shares. “Now, I’m returning with a deeper understanding of who I am.”
Motherhood, along with life’s many ups and downs, has reshaped her perspective. The drive to compete is no longer rooted in perfection, but in purpose.
“What pushed me to come back is not perfection, but purpose,” she says. “My journey—with all its highs and lows—can resonate with women who are learning to stand up again after difficult seasons.”
Her participation in a fitness competition for a tuna brand helped her reconnect with discipline and confidence, but more importantly, it reminded her that strength goes beyond appearances.
“It’s about how you carry yourself after life challenges you,” she adds.
Lessons from Motherhood
Today, Imelda’s decisions are shaped by one person: her son, Noach.
Balancing pageant preparations and motherhood isn’t always easy, but she has learned to focus on what truly matters.
“Motherhood has taught me that quality of time matters more than quantity,” she shares. “When I’m with him, I’m fully present.”
Like many parents, she finds joy in the simplest moments—playing, laughing, or just being together. These everyday experiences, she says, are what keep her grounded.
She describes early motherhood as both “beautiful and humbling”—a phase that teaches patience, vulnerability, and unconditional love in ways no one can fully prepare you for.
“It shifts your perspective,” she explains. “You start thinking about the kind of world your child will grow up in.”
Leading by example
Raising a son has also made Imelda more intentional about the values she models—especially when it comes to respect and equality.
“The way a child sees women treated around him will shape how he treats women in the future,” she says. “I want my son to grow up seeing women as strong, capable individuals who deserve dignity.”
More than anything, she hopes to instill integrity.
“In a world that constantly pressures people to compromise, integrity keeps you grounded,” she says. “I want my child to understand that success isn’t just about achievements—it’s about the kind of person you choose to be.”
Aiming for the Universe
As the Miss Universe Philippines pageant approaches, Imelda is preparing not just physically, but mentally and emotionally.
Having faced public scrutiny in the past, she now approaches criticism with a renewed mindset.
“When you grow up in the public eye, criticism is inevitable,” she reflects. “But over time, I’ve learned that it can also be a teacher.”
That shift in perspective has helped her develop resilience and a stronger sense of self—something she now carries into the competition.
She also hopes to shed light on a lesser-seen side of pageantry: the sisterhood.
“People often think it’s all rivalry, but behind the scenes, there’s a lot of support,” she shares. “We all understand that each of us carries our own story.”
More than a crown
At the heart of her journey is a message that many mothers can relate to.
“Being a mother doesn’t mean you stop being a woman with dreams,” Imelda says. “In fact, it becomes the reason you pursue them more bravely.”
For Imelda Schweighart, this return to the stage isn’t about redemption or validation. It’s about showing her son—and other women—that it’s possible to evolve, to begin again, and to pursue purpose at any stage in life.
Because sometimes, the most meaningful crowns are the ones we wear beyond the spotlight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Imelda Schweighart is a Filipino model, former beauty queen, entrepreneur, and DJ who represented the Philippines in Miss Earth 2016 and is now competing in Miss Universe Philippines.
She returned with a renewed sense of purpose, wanting to share her journey of growth and inspire other women—especially mothers—to pursue their dreams.
Yes, she is a mother to her son, Noach, who she says is her biggest motivation.
Imelda focuses on quality time with her son and being fully present when they are together, despite her busy schedule.
She emphasizes respect for women, integrity, and becoming a person of character over simply achieving success.
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