MERANIE Pabular Gadiana Rahman, a Filipina based in Hawaii, won the 46th Mrs. Universe finals held at the Newport World Resorts Theater in Pasay last Sunday.
Besting about a hundred married delegates worldwide, Rahman, who is originally from Misamis Oriental, was crowned by Elena Maksinova from Russia, last year’s winner, and became the first woman from the Philippines to win the coveted title.
Born in Talisayan, Misamis Oriental and schooled in Cagayan de Oro City, Meranie married Dr. Inam Ikeda-Rahman Perreira 12 years ago; she has been based in Honolulu, Hawaii for the last 17 years.
Meranie has also competed for Mrs. World twice, first as Guam’s delegate in 2019 where she made it to the top 8, and last year as the Philippine delegate.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Universe Philippines Arlene Cris Damot, a registered nurse and aesthetics clinic owner, was the second runner-up to Rahman.
Rounding up the circle of winners are: first runner-up Kalpana Shukia who represented India-UK; third runner-up Emma Melik-Adaman from the Black Sea; and fourth runner-up Anna Pechurina from Moscow.
The top five came from 25 semifinalists that also included another Filipina, Thea Isla Sian, who represented North Pacific Asia.
The Bulgaria-based Mrs. Universe Organization, headed by Sava Tsekov, came in full force. Tsekov expressed his gratefulness and admiration for the Philippines’ hosting the annual event that showcased the unparalleled brand of Filipino hospitality that is renowned across the globe.
Mrs. Universe Philippines national director Maria Charo Calalo spearheaded the organizing committee and production team that successfully staged the global beauty extravaganza that gathered married women in a camaraderie of friendship and united stand to stop violence against women and children.
Hosted by Jojo Alejar and former Miss Philippines Water Samantha Purvor, the three-and-a-half-hour show also featured actress Ara Mina as one of the judges.
Former Binibining Pilipinas titlists also graced the show, namely Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez Lawyer, Miss Universe 4th runner-up 1975 Chiqui Brosas Hahn, Binibining Pilipinas Universe 1979 Dang Cecilio-Palanca, Binibining Pilipinas Universe 1981 Maricar Mendoza-Du, Binibining Pilipinas Tourism 1993 Jenette Fernando-Dizon, Binibining Pilipinas Tourism 1994 Sheila Marie Dizon-Carlos and Mutya ng Pilipinas Tourism 1977 Emma Yuhuico.
