Mrs. Philippines World 2019-2020 Meranie Gadiana Rahman is ready to conquer pageantry once again as she represents the Philippines at the Mrs. World 2021 finals in Sri Lanka in June.
Provided there are no pandemic restrictions, it is all systems go for the international competition which has been reset several times, Rahman said.
Rahman said that she will promote Postpartum Depression awareness during the competition.
"Since I am a survivor of postpartum depression, I know how serious and lethal this kind of depression can be which has actually taken the lives of thousands and probably millions of women all over the world and lesser number of men as well. Coming out of postpartum depression has changed my life by giving me another life at the same time it has empowered me to save many lives that I have been able to touch and educate them that there is a hope, and there is a treatment. Look at me. I am a living example. I have done this a lot in the Philippines because I have a voice here as reigning Mrs. Philippines World. I wish I could have a voice all over the world and save many lives," she explained.
This Filipino beauty queen-philanthropist said that she would also appeal to the Philippine government to make postpartum depression awareness a national campaign.
Rahman said that pageants are still relevant during the pandemic because it inspires people to be positive, proactive, helpful and caring.
"First of all beauty pageants are not only about beauty, they are about advocacy of values and causes and empowering others. We can make the beauty pageant relevant by making sure all the attendants including pageant contestants observe social distance and wear masks in the back stage and carry the mask on stage to show its importance to the world. All the judges should be wearing masks and should be at least 6 to 10 feet away from the stage. The virtual pageant is another option. Of course my best hope is that either definite antiviral treatment or a safe vaccine will be available to everyone," Rahman added.
Asked what the pandemic taught her, Rahman said: "By spending more time exercising with my son at home, we developed a very deep connection with each other and we felt very happy. This taught me how important it is to spend quality time and bond with your loved ones. Also I had more time to promote my advocacy about depression and postpartum depression with my husband Dr. Inam Rahman MD through his TV show 'Health is Wealth' and through other media. I believe this helped lots of people to fight depression especially related to the pandemic."
Rahman said that her husband is the new National Director for Mrs. Philippines World who is also very passionate about postpartum depression awareness. He has named Postpartum Depression Awareness as national pageant's official advocacy so that the contestants can spread the message to the Filipino community from all over the world and save millions of lives from unnecessary death.
Born and raised in Cagayan de Oro City, Rahman has been staying in Hawaii for many years now. She is also a print model. Recently, Rahman was one of the awardees for Gawad America in North Hollywood for "Most influential Woman of the Year”.