MONALIZA Hernandez Salenga and Maria Steia Isla Jian are both set to embark on their journeys towards the 46th Mrs. Universe to be held in Manila from October 1 to October 9.
Monaliza, 43, who will be wearing the Northeast Asia sash and Steia, 54, who will be donning the North Pacific Asia banner, met select members of the media separately last weekend, eager to showcase all that they have prepared for the Bulgaria-based pageant for married women as host-delegates under the auspices of Mrs. Universe Philippines.
Mrs. Universe Philippines is under the chairmanship of Maria Charo Laude, who was Mrs. Universe Philippines 2019 and now the national director.
Born and raised in Carmona, Cavite, Monaliza is an amazing and empowered mother of four, and a loving and supportive wife to Ranillo Salenga. She is currently the chief financial officer of their own companies, PBTS Corporation and Janstech Group of Companies where she has been applying her skill in financial management, contributing to the success and expansion of their many businesses.
Mona has also founded her own aesthetic clinic in 2021, the Sweet Skin Care Center, which has two branches in Carmona, Cavite, and will soon be opening more in other areas.
She hopes to carry over her vision to promote and create opportunities which will help other women build their self-worth and confidence, as her platform at the Mrs. Universe stage.
Mona is forever grateful, first and foremost to her supportive husband Rani and her children, especially Janpiolo, owner of Piolo’s Hang-out Bar & Restaurant where the press meet was held.
Mona also thanks her pageant team that includes communication coach Vyn Anders, head coach and handler Mato Rodrigo, campaign admin Jennifer Hernandez Mapalad and assistant Amor Mercado, advocacy director Lloyd Alfred Morales Briones (advocacy director), national costume designer Belo Tuesday and photographer Mon Cres.
Meanwhile, Maria Steia Isla Sian, fondly called Thea by family and friends, is a mother of four who describes herself as a happy person – compassionate, adaptive, hardworking, lovable, and very easy to get along with. Her honesty is her best attitude.
A Tourism graduate of Siena College, Thea was 23 when she married car aficionado and custom builder Johnson Sian. They have three daughters and one son.
During her meet-and-greet with select members of media at Lola Ote Restaurant in Quezon City, her family and friends, including fellow Rotarians, were also present to support her.
Her husband Johnson, daughter Sheine and granddaughter Silvia were also present to wish her well in her pageant journey.
Thea was crowned as Mrs. Universe – North Pacific Asia at the Mrs Universe Philippines pageant held at Rizal Park Hotel last June 18.
She believes she can spread her vision of a friendly, productive, and safe world for the younger generation, and do more for the community by becoming a representative of women all over.
The more than 100 delegates of the 46th Mrs Universe in Manila will captivate audiences in the Queens Ball Charity Gala at the Centennial Hall of The Manila Hotel on October 4 and at the coronation at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Newport Resorts World, Pasay on October 8.
