5 Pinay Beauty Queens Who Embraced Motherhood This 2021

The year 2021 is a year like no other in the beauty pageant scene. Because of the pandemic, this year saw not just one but two Miss Universe competitions, the 69th run in May and the 70th run this December.

But this year is also an unforgettable one for some Pinay beauty queens who earned another distinguished title: mom. 

With emotions still high following the coronation of Miss India Harnaaz Sandhu, let's congratulate as well the beauty queens who welcomed their panganays this year.

Miss World Philippines Katarina Rodriguez (2018)

In November 2021, Katarina Rodriguez introduced her firstborn to the world. In an intimate Youtube vlog and series of social media posts, the former beauty queen detailed her water birth story.

She said it was only after giving birth that she finally found the answer to the quintessential pageant question: "What's the essence of a woman?"

For Katarina, it is the "power to rule her mind and her body. Power to overcome the pain that feels like death but in turn births life. The power to do whatever it is she puts her mind to."

Miss Universe Philippines Rachel Peters (2017)

Rachel Peters welcomed her first daughter with her husband, Camarines Sur Governor Migz Villafuerte, last October 2021. Rachel has been honest about her ups and downs as an expecting mom then, admitting that she felt "like a completely different person" over the changes in her body. However, she also learned to embrace and appreciate motherhood.

“This time around, I’m not going to be shy and hide them in my phone roll forever because I am damn proud of my body and how it’s transformed to grow and nurture our little sprout. Shout out to all the mamas on here — you’re all badass,” the titleholder exclaimed.

Earlier this year, the beauty queen-turned-entrepreneur also shared the bumps along her pregnancy journey. In a vlog she recalled, "it took months of blood tests, trips to the doctor, and different treatments to balance out my hormones, to even be able to begin trying for a baby."

Despite the difficulties they experienced getting pregnant, the couple kept their faith until they finally welcomed baby Kaia Rose this year. (Click here to read Rachel's musings about being a new mom)

Binibining Pilipinas Grand International Eva Patalinjug (2018)

Eva Patalinjug gave birth to a baby boy last February 4, 2021. She and her partner, Francis Lim, named their firstborn, Fredrick Evan.

Winning two titles, the former Bb. Pilipinas and Mutya ng Pilipinas (2014) winner said she is most proud and grateful for her son. "Of all the things I’ve held, the best by far is you, baby," the beauty queen happily wrote online.

Binibining Pilipinas Supranational Jehza Huelar (2018)

Davaoeño beauty queen Jehza Huelar gave birth to her first baby, Peter Jeidon, last March 1, 2021. In an Instagram post, Jehza has been candid about the changes in her life since she took on the new role of being a mom.

She likens motherhood to a teacher, "teaching me so many good things, even when it feels so hard to endure," and that she is "happy to be a student in this journey."

The beauty queen also went through her fair share of struggles, going through a miscarriage last June 2020. If there's one thing she learned from this experience it's that: "Always remember: God will never take away something from you without the intention of replacing it something better. You just have to keep the faith."

Miss Universe Philippines finalist Alaiza Malinao (2020)

Based on her Instagram post, Alaiza Malinao became a new mom in September 2021. Last October, Alaiza shared a video montage of her pregnancy journey, from showing her baby bump to finally meeting baby Noah.

"My baby is 11 days young today. My 41 weeks of pregnancy went by very fast and I don’t know if I miss it," the former Miss Universe Philippines candidate wrote in her caption.

BONUS! At 46, Miss Universe Philippines 1999 Miriam Quiambao also became a new mom this 2021. She gave birth to her second child, Ezekiel Isaiah, last July 2021 via Cesarean section. (Read Miriam's birthing story here)

Click here for a list of some of the most beloved and most memorable beauty queens-turned-moms throughout the years.