Advocating for both physical and mental health, Selena Antonio-Reyes has her sights set on the most prestigious crown in the world: that of Ms Universe
In numerous pageants, particularly the esteemed ones, there has been a prevailing emphasis on women in their early to mid-twenties, conveying a message that desirability hinges not solely on physical beauty or intellectual prowess, but also on youth. This longstanding norm has led many women who retain their beauty and intelligence well into later stages of life to set aside aspirations of claiming the crown.
However, recent modifications to the eligibility criteria of the Miss Universe pageant have sparked a shift, encouraging exceptional women of any age or social standing to pursue their collective ambition of clinching a global beauty title. Among these determined individuals is Selena Antonio-Reyes, who sets her sights on the ultimate prize.
A Woman of Great Beauty and Substance
Long-standing followers of pageantry will remember Antonio-Reyes (then Selena Alexis Antonio) as one of the stunning finalists in the 47th Binibining Pilipinas back in 2010, where she captivated fans and emerged as a crowd favorite. At 24 years old during the competition, she was nearing the upper age limit for pageants, recognizing that another opportunity to seize the title might not come her way.
Despite the passage of time, marriage, motherhood, and a demanding career, Antonio-Reyes has continued to leave her mark on the country’s consciousness, particularly in the realms of sports and fitness. With accolades including completing two of the six Abbott World Marathon Majors and securing bronze in the 2022 Spartan Asia-Pacific Championship, her prowess in athletics, honed from her days as a prize-winning gymnast, remains evident even into her 30s. It’s no surprise that her dedication to maintaining a trim and toned physique led her to triumph in the Ageless category of Century Tuna’s Superbods 2022.
However, there’s a deeper motivation behind Antonio-Reyes’ commitment to staying fit and healthy. Battling postpartum depression after the birth of her first child, she faced a challenge that affects millions of women worldwide. Yet, Antonio-Reyes firmly believes in the adage “mens sana in corpore sano” — a sound mind in a sound body — which propelled her to combat depression through exercise and self-care.
“After overcoming the baby blues, I made a decision to advocate for holistic wellness,” Antonio-Reyes explains. “In doing so, I aim to inspire others to prioritize their well-being so that together, we can all achieve physical fitness and mental resilience. I take pride in the realization that my identity as an athlete and fitness enthusiast underscores the profound connection between physical health and mental well-being.”
Racing to the Crown
This campaign forms the bedrock of Antonio-Reyes’ candidacy for the Pasig leg of Ms Universe Philippines. Following the revision of the pageant’s eligibility criteria last year, she recognized the opportunity to amplify her platform’s reach and empower women to embrace their strength, intelligence, and beauty regardless of age.
“In a society where age often dictates the decline or relinquishing of our dreams, I stand here to challenge – and even reshape – the narrative,” she asserts with pride. “Age is but a number, and as women, we possess the transformative ability to redefine norms, inspire, and lead, regardless of our life stage.”
Antonio-Reyes’ quest for the crown is buoyed by the support of a company deeply committed to giving back to its community: St. Gerrard Construction and Realty (SGC).
For SGC vice-president Zarah Discaya, backing Antonio-Reyes aligns with her own mission to uplift the welfare and personal growth of women and girls in Pasig City.
“Selena epitomizes the beauty, intellect, and poise of the modern Filipino woman,” Discaya explains, elucidating her decision to support the fitness luminary. “She has seamlessly integrated her talents into her life, and her triumph over mental and physical challenges post-motherhood serves as a beacon of inspiration for us all. Selena would be an exceptional representative to showcase the essence of modern Philippine femininity on the global stage and lead it to victory.”
