Mrs. Philippines World 2019 Meranie Gadiana Rahman wants to serve as the voice in promoting postpartum depression awareness, being herself a survivor of the mood disorder.
The Hawaii-based beauty queen has organized a non-profit organization called “You are Loved Foundation for Postpartum Depression Awareness.”
Married to a medical and emergency physician with whom she has a three-year-old son, Rahman was named Mrs. Philippines World 2019 in Paris, France and competed at the Mrs. World pageant held in Las Vegas, Nevada representing Guam where she was named one of the top 8 finalists.
She was also crowned Mrs. Hawaii Transcontinental 2019, represented Hawaii and finished as 2nd runner-up at the Mrs. USA Universe pageant in Atlanta Georgia.
“Depression and postpartum depression are serious diseases which often lead to drug abuse and suicide if not diagnosed well. Feeling isolated, helpless with low self-esteem are some of the warning signs of depression and postpartum,” Rahman explained.
The best treatment should be self-love, support from family and a positive attitude,” she added.
Rahman, who was born and grew up in Talisayan, Cagayan de Oro, has received recognition for helping promote postpartum awareness by the Hawaii State legislators as well as from the Hawaii State Governor. She hopes to visit the Philippines in the near future to establish a partnership with local leaders on her advocacy campaign.
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Advocate of beauty for married women
For 55-year-old Riza Oben Dormiendo, joining beauty pageants is no joke and takes a lot of courage. A native of Taguig, Dormiento snagged the Mrs. Philippines International Face of Beauty 2019-2020 title last December.
“Winning one of the titles is one of my greatest achievements, which carries a big responsibility. Through this title, I will use my voice to enlighten married women that we are all beautiful in our own different ways and that we can be fit and healthy and maintain our beautiful body by joining activities that will boost our confidence,” she said.
Riza admires Gloria Diaz, Margie Moran, and Pia Wurtzbach for showing the world how beautiful and confident Filipinas are.
“I look to them as inspiration to continue to be an advocate of beauty for married women. I would advise married women who would join beauty pageants to face their imperfections, build their confidence and be passionate about all the things that challenge them,” she enthused.
Riza is grateful to the Maan Cueto Aris, national director of Mrs. Philippines International beauty pageant and Aries Concepcion of Glamore Productions for giving married women, like her, the opportunity to achieve their dream to become beauty queens.
Riza will compete at the 9th edition of Face of Beauty International pageant. Reigning Face of Beauty International 2019 Peerachada Khunrak of Thailand will relinquish her title.
The Mrs. Philippines International 2019-2020 pageant crowned eight titlists namely, Mrs. Philippines International, Ms. Philippines International, Elite Mrs. Philippines International, Mrs. Philippines Planet, Mrs. Philippines National Universe, Mrs. Philippines Continental International, Mrs. Philippines Tourism and Culture Universe; and Mrs. Philippines Face of Beauty International.
