After winning the Binibining Pilipinas-International title, Mariel De Leon didn’t fail to show that she’s a beauty queen with a cause and voice. She spoke up on issues on the RH Law and Mocha Uson’s appointment as PCOO head. She was told to stay away from them and “act like a beauty queen,” but kept firm with her stances.
Right now, Mariel continues to train for the Miss International pageant later this year and also working hard for her role in Ang Panday. She’s also one of the muses for Fashion Can Serve 2017.
We had a quick chat with Mariel to know what she’s up to now and how she’s managing her time between Miss International training.
How do you feel that you’re one of the models for Fashion Can Serve 2017?
I’m really excited. This is a cause that’s close to my heart because two of my aunts and my grandma had breast cancer. So it’s such an honor when Ito Curata called me to do it.
How are you loving the dress you’re wearing right now?
I love it so much, especially the color. One of my favorite colors is red, and the fact that it’s flowy.
A post shared by Mariel de Leon (@mariaangelicadl) on Aug 9, 2017 at 5:50am PDT
How are you preparing for the Miss International pageant?
For now, I’m just going out more, meeting different types of people so I can get used to socializing and being observant of other people. Also taking in the Japanese culture and language.
Who’s designing your dress and what will it look like?
Cary Santiago. [He also] designed my dress for Binibining Pilipinas. I have no idea [what it’ll look like.] We haven’t talked about it yet. So, we’ll see.
A post shared by Mariel de Leon (@mariaangelicadl) on May 1, 2017 at 10:46pm PDT
What can you say about rumors that you don’t have time to prepare for the pageant because of Ang Panday?
[I want to make it clear that] my shooting [schedule] for Ang Panday is just once or twice a week, every weekend. The rest of my days are committed to Binibining Pilipinas and preparing for Miss International. So I have a lot of time [to focus on the pageant.] Time management lang.
What do you like doing in your spare time?
Just staying at home with my dog or going out to eat in a small café. That’s it. I don’t like to go out and drink.
Do you have any signature beauty tricks?
What I’m obsessed with is oil [like] coconut, rosehip, and argan. Before I sleep, I slather my body with oil. So when I wake up, I feel fresh and fragrant.
Who are your style icons?
Not a particular person, but a type. I like the ’40s to ’60s era a lot. Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, and Jackie Kennedy.
How do you handle the criticism you get for being outspoken on certain issues?
I just don’t care about them. I know it’s easier said than done, but even before I’ve always been outspoken and never afraid to show my feelings and opinions. What people say to me doesn’t really affect me because I don’t know them, so why should their opinions about me matter?
What about those who say you’re not acting like a beauty queen?
The thing about being a beauty queen is that people have this certain stereotype. I’d like to break that down because being a beauty queen, you have an audience and a pedestal. It’s such a waste if I’m just going to stand there and pose and look pretty. I want to do something with it.
Photo courtesy of Mariel De Leon’s Instagram account
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