Mrs. Universe France 2025 Anna Boroshok is bursting with excitement as she sets foot in the enchanting Philippines for the very first time.

Anna's journey leads her to the prestigious Mrs. Universe 2025 beauty pageant, a dazzling event set to unfold at the luxurious Okada Manila on Oct. 8.

The vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes of this tropical paradise promise to make her experience unforgettable as she steps into the spotlight, ready to showcase her grace and strength.

During an interview, Anna believes the Philippines' greatest treasure is its people. "The treasure of the Philippines is kindness, hospitality, and readiness to help."

Anna was also excited to sample several Filipino dishes. "The first time I arrived, I tried a restaurant called Manam, and I ate sisig. It was incredible and I love it."

In Manila, Anna was welcomed by Ms. Jenny Lin Maaño, of SunSmart, and Sunil Khurana of the Royal Business Club.

With the finals for the competition just around the corner, Anna said that she is getting along well with the more than 127 candidates whom she calls "sisters."

"Before I heard many scary stories about competitions where some girls are not very nice, I felt it was about sisterhood. I have very good relationships with the girls. Some I knew already. Some I got to know here. I feel the warmth in their hearts, and I feel the warmth in my heart as well. We hug and dance together.

"I feel nervous, but being surrounded by powerful and beautiful women, I have goosebumps talking about it. I want to surround myself with women who have meaningful missions. I feel how they affect me and what I should do in my life," she said.

A sociologist by profession, Anna said she is competing in the pageant because she believes it's her time to shine.

"I have a mission. Winning the competition will give a lot of meaning. I have a strong message that I want to convey. But I will be more engaged in it. I want to donate some of my dresses and gowns to the girls here, so they can experience the joy of feeling beautiful and radiant," she said. "I recently turned 44 years old. And I thought it's about time to shine. Before, I didn't fully accept myself. I didn't see my beauty, and I decided, 'Okay, it's time to shine.' "

Advocacy efforts

Anna passionately shared her advocacy efforts, which are dedicated to championing equal opportunities for both men and women. She strives to break down barriers and create a world where everyone, regardless of gender, has access to the same resources and opportunities to thrive.

"As an influencer and vlogger, I advocate for equal opportunities for men and women, but I also stand for traditional relationships and the institution of marriage. So a woman would stay a woman: feminine, gentle, protected by a strong man. This is my message," she said.

In a rapidly changing world, Anna remains committed to pageantry as a powerful platform to influence and inspire others.

"They are relevant, and they should be. As an influencer, I am glad to promote that. For me, it's about femininity. It's about accepting your inner and external self shine. We are free to take it.

"Many times, especially in the modern world, we become caught up in routines that prevent us from being as beautiful as we can be. It's important to convey a message that showcases your femininity and share it with the world," Anna added.

Women in relationships

Anna advised that women should be strong when they enter into a relationship.

"We need to be tough. We need to revive the institution of marriage in our lives, where women can feel protected, so that they can have kids. In many countries now, women are stressed financially, emotionally, and physically; they don't want to have children. It's a demographic problem," she said.

Anna passionately stated that women should hold education in high regard, recognizing it as a vital tool for personal growth and empowerment.

"And for women who already have children, they should educate themselves in a way that enables them to respect each other. I hope they will have a beautiful life, regardless of how their relationships work out," she added.

Equal opportunities

The French stunner, who also has a Russian bloodline, defines beauty as love, which you can share. She is hopeful that her advocacy for equal opportunities will also touch hearts and minds.

"I have lived in a 50-50 relationship for nine years. It means I share the expenses with another man I was living with. I think it wasn't 50-50, but rather 70-30, because I also took care of the household and provided food. I have taken a lot of myself while I was putting a lot of hope in him.

"We had planned to have children, but I was over 30 years old when we met. By the end of nine years, I lost the woman inside of me. Even my hormonal situation has changed. Then I lost the opportunity to have children," she said.

Anna said women should take responsibility for who they are living with. "So my message to women is that they should take responsibility for who they are living with. I lost the opportunity to have a family. I want women to focus on themselves and put themselves first. If the man beside you is not ready to marry you, leave. Don't wait. Don't hope. Please do it for yourself. The world would be a happier place if women were happy."

Importance of marriage

The beauty queen also emphasized the importance of marriage among women, especially those with children.

"It's important for women who have kids to get married. Many women, after their breakup, find themselves on the streets, and they have no means to take care of their children," she said.

Anna added, "A woman should have someone who can take care of her. It often takes us back to prehistoric times, when a man had to provide for his family. A woman should always find a strong man so that they will survive. So I don't see why we cannot do these things at these times."

When not busy, Anna enjoys playing with her Pomeranian dog and loves travelling. "I love traveling and have visited over 60 countries. I am on a mission to visit every country. That makes me happy by allowing me to discover new cultures, food, and places."

On staying fit and happy, Anna answered, "Every morning for eight years now, I keep myself busy, and it always becomes a religious experience. That's what makes my skin shine and keeps my stomach healthy. It keeps my body in good shape. I do fitness, yoga, and stretching. I don't smoke, but drink socially."

Describing herself further, Anna said she is the type of person who goes with the flow. She also loves the deep relationship Filipinos have with their faith in God. "I'm the kind of person who goes with the flow. But I have noticed that in the Philippines, you have a deep relationship with God. I believe in angels. When I speak, I pray, 'Dear angels, guide me.' I know what to say."