Rechel Hoco, fondly known as “Rechel in Dubai,” has officially announced her candidacy for Miss Universe Philippines 2025, representing her home province, Oriental Mindoro. At 23, this content creator and proud Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) is ready to step onto the national stage, bringing with her a story of resilience, passion, and hope for her kababayans.
Rechel shared in a The Global Filipino Magazine report how her journey from local pageantry to the prestigious Miss Universe Philippines platform has been transformative. “My journey from local pageants to Miss Universe Philippines has truly been life-changing,” she said. “It has pushed me to grow beyond my comfort zones, helped me become more confident, and made me deeply understand the responsibility of being a role model.”
Relocating to Dubai in December 2022 to reunite with her brother, Rechel embraced her new life as an OFW, finding inspiration in the stories of Filipinos abroad. “As an OFW in Dubai, I carry with me the strength and stories of so many hardworking Filipinos who sacrifice every day to support their families,” she said. “It’s something I experience firsthand, and it’s something I am proud of. In this competition, I bring that strong spirit, the perseverance that every OFW knows by heart.”
Rechel’s entry into Miss Universe Philippines is not just a personal milestone but a declaration of pride for OFWs worldwide. “We can slay the stage, not just as ‘OFWs’ but as Global Filipinos making names overseas,” she said, her voice brimming with conviction. “I want to be an image of hope to our kababayans abroad—that it’s possible, that we can achieve big dreams. Hindi pala ‘OFW lang,’ but we are Global Filipinos.”
Representing Oriental Mindoro, Rechel carries the pride and hope of her province. “My message is clear: It’s our time to shine! It’s a long time coming, but we are here now, ready to give our first international crown!” she declared passionately.
Rechel also highlighted her advocacy, ‘Lakbay, Agapay,’ which supports the education of underprivileged children. “I believe that nurturing one child’s dream can ripple out and change families, communities, and the world,” she explained. “I want the world to see Oriental Mindoro not only as a place of beauty but as a home to resilient, compassionate, and driven people.”
Her journey from winning Miss Oriental Mindoro in 2019 to becoming a beloved content creator in Dubai exemplifies her tenacity. After taking a break following her father’s passing in 2021, Rechel resumed creating content, achieving viral success with a video that garnered 1 million views within 24 hours. Now, as she transitions from digital stardom to the pageantry stage, she continues to inspire with her story.
“I will carry the flag, my province, and my experiences as an OFW,” she affirmed. “With these, I can confidently say—we can win this race!”
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