Selena Antonio-Reyes Shares Lessons After Miss Universe PH Stint

Selena Antonio-Reyes may not have won the Miss Universe Philippines crown but she has learned a lot of lessons from the pageant

Miss Universe Philippines has crowned its new queen in the person of Chelsea Manalo who will compete for the title in Mexico in November. Selena Antonio-Reyes, who represented Pasig in the competition was able to secure a semifinalist and the only mom to make it in the Top 20.

In an exclusive interview with Modern Parenting, Selena talked about her experience in the pageant and tips for parents about their daughters joining pageants.

Entering the Top 20

It was indeed a tough battle and to be part of the Top 20 was already an accomplishment for Selena.

“It was overwhelming! I couldn’t hear anything, coz as I was standing there, looking at every other girl who had a fighting chance to be at that last spot, I was just continuously talking to myself and praying. Then when they announced my city my fellow candidates started saying ‘ate ikaw yun,'” she recalled the moment her name was announced.

“Entering the top 20 out of a strong batch of girls felt like a big win for me already. And I couldn’t be happier, so I broke into tears backstage as I was changing into my swimsuit.”

This isn’t the first time for Selena to join a pageant. In 2010, she got her first taste of the pageant scene when she joined Binibining Pilipinas where Venus Raj won the Miss Universe Philippines title. She also participated in a competition for a tuna brand, where she emerged as a winner and served as one of its ambassadors.

Compared to the first time she competed, Selena, 38, pointed that today’s pageants are competitive. ” [I was] more of getting my feet wet [back then] since it was my first ever pageant at 24, I was the eldest in my 2010 batch. So I just quietly cruised by the competition enjoying the happenings and experiences that I experienced.”

“Today, pageantry is taken very seriously. I can say to the point some would do everything and anything just to win that crown. The fans of the pageant world now become more passionate in a way where they are the ones ‘fighting’ for their chosen candidate.” 

Pageants are like marathons

With her experience in marathons and pageantry, Selena agrees they are the same in preparation. ” Both require discipline, dedication, and determination…that you could achieve your end goal and cross that finish line feeling proud and accomplished after pouring out all your time and efforts.”

During the pageant, Selena like other moms temporarily sacrificed time from the family, which she admitted was tough.

“Aside from sacrificing my precious time with my family and kids, I feel that i had sacrificed my attention as well for them. Especially that they are only 11 and 9 years old they need all the attention from their mom,” she explained. “But I always made sure i would talk to them when i had the chance to be with them during the competition.”

“Another thing I had to sacrifice was sleep.  It was a hectic but worth it two months with lack of sleep. Waking up early, doing makeup, being pretty, posing for the camera going for interviews constantly. But seeing all the results it was [definitely] one great ride!”

Advice and Lessons Along the Way

There have been a lot of discussions since Miss Universe announced that moms can join pageants and the removal of the age limit. For Selena, she took this from a different point of view.

” Everything that happens to us in life differs from our own perspective. So when people showed mixed reactions towards married women and moms joining the pageant, I simply took that as motivation to stand even taller and raise the mom and ageless flag even higher. “

Now that the pageant is over, what new lessons has she learned? She emphasized the importance of humility and empathy towards people.

“Seeing all the posts, photos, and videos online from fans, being recognized by people outside is overwhelming and humbling,” she said. “Knowing I was able to touch or inspire the people – the moms, the titas and women of age to dream big, and fight for what they believe in. Being empathetic and appreciative to the people who have helped you reach your dream or where I am now. I owe it all to them.”

And for parents who want their kids to join pageants in the future, this is what Selena has to share from experience. ” Let them explore on their own. Kids will be kids, and we as parents should be by their side to support and cheer them on.”

“If your kids show interest, embrace the journey with them, because you will never know you might be able to mold the next Miss Universe Philippines.” 

Check out more stories on Miss Universe Philippines

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3 Moms Share Their Journeys in Joining Miss Universe Philippines 2023