Having Three Kids Didn't Stop This Mom From Joining Miss U: 'Mommy Is Also A Work In Progress'

In 2022, the announcement by the Miss Universe Organization that they would allow single and married mothers to join the pageant was met with disappointment and even rage.

But for 27-year-old mother of three, Stephanie Faye Gerona, hailing from Quirino Province, this significant change in the pageantry scene meant that she finally had a shot at living her dream.

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Living the dream

Stephanie has always had a deep love for the Philippines. Her Instagram feed is filled with photos of local products and beautiful views from various provinces. However, with three kids, she found herself questioning why she was no longer striving to achieve her dreams. "I cried and prayed about it, asking that God will guide me," she told Smart Parenting in an exclusive interview.

Being a mother and pursuing her dreams as a beauty queen hasn't been easy for her. Stephanie shared, "Every time my kids would ask me, 'Mommy, please stay home,' I had to make sure that my free time and weekends were dedicated to traveling around the country with them." She explained to them, "Mommy is also a work in progress. Just like you, you're going to school, you're learning, you're growing." She emphasized that, "'Mommy has to learn, mommy has to do things, mommy has to work.' Because I believe that as their mother, I am their role model."

Her three children are ages four, five, and six, and she hopes to add to their family. "It's really expensive to have children. But you know, kaya ko gusto pa kasi 'pag may anak ka, parang feeling mo kayamanan mo sila. 'Yung pagmamahal nila, kahit pagod na pagod ka, pag inakap ka nila, parang napapawi lahat ng pagod mo," she stressed.

Struggles as a mom and beauty queen

At first, Stephanie's husband was hesitant to support her dream. "Gusto niya nasa bahay lang ako, doing my online business and focusing on our children. But I told him na, alam mo, I really have to work on myself. Parang gusto ko pa rin i-keep yung spark na nakita niya sa akin the first time we met."

She added, "Ayokong dumating yung araw na sabihin ko sa sarili ko na hindi ko nagawa yung mga pangarap ko. Ayokong pagsisihan yung mga panahon na hindi ko siya ginawa. So if I will do something, I am doing it right now."

Stephanie acknowledges the importance of having a strong support system. Her extended family has become her village, helping raise their children when she needs to attend to the demands of the pageant. 

^{Stephanie Faye Gerona and her family}

As an official candidate of Miss Universe Philippines 2024, Stephanie understands the challenges that come with being a mother pursuing her dreams. "It's disheartening to see people mocking you and putting you down. But I believe the comments from the people you love should be the ones that matter to you."

For her two daughters and son, Stephanie knows they are proud of her. "I only told my family when I became an official candidate, tapos they saw me on TV. They said, 'Mommy, you're so great. I'm so proud of you.' I consider it an achievement that their mommy is still doing something for herself."

Moms can transcend the Universe

In May, she will be on stage representing mothers whose dreams were put on hold because of motherhood, eager to win the crown for them. "Imagine the impact that I could make kapag naging Miss Universe ako. The platform I could reach, the hearts I could empower, the mothers I could give inspiration to, na kahit nanay na tayo, we can be anything," she said. "We can transcend the universe. A mother's love can transcend the universe. And I believe, all mothers believe in that, too."

Even after the pageant, Stephanie hopes to continue advocating for empowering women, especially single mothers. She believes that all mothers should have the opportunity to earn their income and achieve financial independence. She shared how her mother used to rely on her father for her finances, "Kapag walang pera si papa, wala rin kaming makakain. I believe if both kayong parents ay may trabaho, it's going to be beneficial for the family."

"Kahit alam natin na sobrang hirap, kahit sobrang imposible, dapat ginagawa natin to, hindi lang para sa kanila, kundi para sa sarili natin." —Stephanie Faye Gerona, Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Quirino

As an entrepreneur promoting and supporting local products, she believes it's time for women, especially mothers, to be able to support themselves financially. "For me, pag ikaw rin as a mother, may income ka, makakabili ka ng mga panty mo, makakabili ka ng mga essentials at basic needs mo, mga pampaganda o pagkain."

Message to mothers: Live your dream

Stephanie's journey is already a win not only for herself, but for her family, and for all the mothers. As an avid reader of Smart Parenting herself, she knows that her bigger calling is to inspire every mother her story would reach. 

To mothers who have yet to pursue their dreams, her message is clear: "Always live your dream.

^{Stephanie Faye Gerona and her three kids}

"Always remember na may mga tao tayong umaasa sa atin at yung mga anak natin, naniniwala sila sa mga advice natin and we have to live in that dream.

Kahit alam natin na sobrang hirap, kahit sobrang imposible, dapat ginagawa natin to, hindi lang para sa kanila, kundi para sa sarili natin.

Because remember, we are always a work in progress and always believe that nothing is impossible. Because when we believe in ourselves, nothing's really impossible."

We're rooting for you, Stephanie!

Read the story of a mom who joined MIss Universe 2023, and advocated for postpartum depression awareness among mothers here.