Actress and entrepreneur Ara Mina is stepping into a new kind of spotlight as she officially announces her candidacy for councilor in Pasig City’s 2nd District under the Team Kaya This slate, led by mayoral hopeful Sarah Discaya.
In a press gathering with local media and longtime supporters, Ara, whose real name is Hazel Pascual Reyes, shared that her decision to enter politics was not made lightly.
After more than three decades in showbiz, she said this next chapter is driven by prayer, purpose, and the urge to help on a larger scale.
“I really wanted this new journey,” she said.
“I prayed for it for three months. This isn’t just a career move. I asked for signs—not just once. I kept praying because I know politics isn’t easy.”
The 45-year-old actress, known for her roles in film and television since the early 1990s, said she has long been involved in charity work and community outreach.
But with a seat in local government, she hopes to do more for those who often fall through the cracks, especially struggling artists and ordinary citizens seeking help.
“Before, when I couldn’t afford to help, I would even sell some of my belongings just so I could give something,” she said.
“It’s hard when you want to help but don’t have the authority. So I thought, what if I had a bigger platform?”
Ara is running alongside Sarah Discaya, a Pasig native and advocate for women’s rights and healthcare reform.
The two met through St. Gerrard Foundation and found common ground in their shared advocacy for vulnerable sectors.
“We may have different backgrounds, but we have the same goals,” Mina said, referring to Discaya. “She’s like an older sister to me. I’ve never had an older sister, so it feels like I finally have one now.”
For Discaya, having Ara on the team brings not just star power but also genuine heart.
“I want to share the same space and the same purpose with Ms. Ara Mina,” Discaya said.
“She has long advocated for women’s rights, the well-being of young people, and the protection of disadvantaged sectors. These issues are important to me.”
Mina clarified that she has no plans to leave showbiz altogether, but her focus will be on public service should she win.
“I never stopped working. I love our industry,” she said. “But if this is really the calling of the time, I also want to answer it.”
When asked if she’s ready for the scrutiny that comes with politics, she smiled.
“We’re already used to intrigue,” she said with a laugh. “But at the end of the day, we’re still family—whether in showbiz or in public service.”