Solo parent Eileen Gonzales revealed she couldn't believe when she learned the news that the Miss Universe Organization has opened the prestigious competition to married women, mothers, and solo parents like her.
"I really told my mentor Rodgil Flores that this is the right time to compete in the pageant. I even wrote the Miss Universe Organization to say how thankful I was for this wonderful opportunity," said Gonzales during a media conference at the Kagandahang Flores (KF)headquarters in Morato, Quezon City last Thursday night, Feb. 16.
Asked why she decided to join the 2023 Miss Universe Philippines Competition, Gonzales said: "It has always been my dream to become a Miss Universe Philippines candidate."
She added: "In 2017, I gave birth to a baby boy. That time hindi pa pwede sumali. Now na allowed na, naka ready na talaga ako. I am also ready to share my story, and I want to be an advocate to the solo parents community. My advocacy is about empowering solo parents."
Gonzalez, 27, a former titleholder of another national pageant, was 15 or 16 when she joined show business.
"Pinasok ko yung show business under Star Magic for three years. My first movie was 'The Mistress' where I played the role of the younger sister of Bea Alonzo. Just last year, I did my first indie horror movie 'Kuta' produced by Elaine Lozano of ECL Multimedia Productions," she said.
Gonzales also said that she has launched her beauty skin care business online.
The Miss Universe Philippines aspirant also opened up about her relationship with her former partner.
"Nagkaroon lang kami ng different dreams and path. And then nagkaroon na kayo ng ibang gusto at hindi na kayo nagkakasundo. Pero sa son naman namin nagkakasundo naman kami. Pero give-and-take naman ang relationship namin pagdating sa anak namin," said Gonzales, when asked about her solo parent story.
She added: "Supportive talaga yung dad sa anak ko. We're friends pa rin naman."
Gonzales said that she's ready to compete in the pageant if she would become one of the official candidates for the 2023 Miss Universe Philippines Competition despite the presence of popular aspirants Michelle Dee and Samantha Panlilio.
"I hope to meet Michelle Dee if I become an official candidate. Pinapanood ko talaga siya noon pa," the single mom also said.
Gonzales is expected to file her candidacy for the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 pageant, today, Feb. 17. If admitted, she would dedicate her stint in MUP to her six-year-old son who is her source of strength and inspiration these days.