Actress and singer Ara Mina has decided to pause plans for having a baby with her husband, Dave Almarinez.

Three years after getting married in Baguio, the couple has openly discussed the possibility of having children together. For now, they cherish the time spent with their blended family, which includes their children: Kirsten, Klane, and Mandy.

At a media event on March 17, the 45-year-old actress announced that she is running for councilor in the second district of Pasig City during the 2025 midterm elections.

Her husband, Dave, didn't expect his wife to run in the 2025 elections, but he fully supports her entry into public service.

Mina believes public service is her destiny and calling, stating, "I can still have a baby in the middle of my political career if I win."

Both her biological father, Mel Mathay, and grandfather, Chuck Mathay, were active in politics. She stated that political involvement runs in her family.

Ara also mentioned that her intentions were clear, and her goal was to help the people in her district.

"I really think I can be of help to people. Sincere ako sa layunin ko na makatulong sa ating bayan. Nasa tao naman kung sakali ang desisyon. (I genuinely believe I can help people and serve our country. Ultimately, the decision rests with each individual)," she said.

Raised in her ancestral home in Pasig, Ara stated that she considers Pasig her true home and believes she has the right to run for councilor in their district.

"I consider Pasig my home. Dito ako lumaki, sa Barangay Santolan. Nandun yung aming family home at doon nga ako nakatira ngayon. So, I am a legitimate resident of Pasig City and have every right to run as a councilor for District 2. (I consider Pasig my home, as I grew up in Barangay Santolan. Our family home is there, and I currently live there as well. Therefore, I am a legitimate resident of Pasig City and have every right to run for councilor in District 2)," she said.

Before deciding to run as councilor, Ara has been participating in different outreach programs and one of her advocacies is providing help to persons with disabilities (PWDs), which she hopes to continue when she wins.

She envisions a time when she can successfully combine performing and public service, taking inspiration from her Ninang, Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos-Recto.

"Ang showbiz nandiyan ‘yan, hindi mawawala ‘yan. Siyempre, magpo-focus tayo dito (politics), pero tulad nga ng sinabi ko, meron pa kasi akong movie na hindi natapos at tatapusin after election."

(Showbiz is there, it won't go away. Of course, we'll focus on this (politics), but like I said, I still have a movie that's not finished and will be finished after the election)

"Parang si Ninang Vilma, ‘di ba? Nakakagawa rin siya ng movie once in a while kahit nakaupo siya, pero naka-focus siya sa public service. So, siguro gano’n. We’ll never know… bahala na si Lord, pero magpo-focus ako sa public service kapag tayo’y nanalo."Like Ninang Vilma, who manages to make a movie occasionally despite her busy schedule, I understand the importance of balancing public service with other commitments. Perhaps that’s the key —although we'll never know for sure. With God's help, I plan to focus on public service if we win," Ara said.

Aside from her announcement, Ara also took the time to introduce her close friend and now running mate, Sarah Discaya, whom she refers to as her "ate."

Sarah owns St. Gerrard Construction. The two met during an outreach program, where they shared their advocacies, which led them to team up for this year's midterm election. 

Sarah, who's up against incumbent Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, shared that she has both excitement and pressure taking on this political journey.

"Opo, aminado naman po ako na napakalaking pader ang babanggain ko. Pero naniniwala ako na qualified po ako sa posisyon at marami rin po akong ideya para mapaganda pa lalo ang Pasig. (I know I will face challenges, but I believe I am qualified for the position. I also have many ideas to improve Pasig.)