International pageant coach Ian Mendajar exemplifies passion and perseverance, having risen from modest beginnings as a beauty queen trainer while balancing a corporate career.

During a recent media conference at Jojo Bragais headquarters in Quezon City, Ian shared his inspiring journey of following his heart, mentoring aspiring beauty queens for free when he was just starting out.

"I started in 2016. This was my calling. Even back in high school and college, I was mentoring aspiring beauty queens in Samar. I balanced my corporate career in the BPO (business process outsourcing) industry, rising from mentor to senior manager, but my heart always belonged to uplifting others through pageantry," Ian reflected.

In December 2022, Ian took a leap of faith by leaving the corporate world to pursue his passion full-time. "I was grateful to be in a supportive industry, which enabled me to follow my dreams. I juggled pageant training and my BPO role, often dedicating weekends to empower future queens."

During the same event, Ian was thrilled after Bragais presented him with a tribute pair of pageant shoes dubbed "Ian Shoes." Ian was also cheered by rising pageant coach Kenneth Ganaba, also an educator, at the media conference.

"I was deeply moved. It reminded me of my early days, and felt like a beautiful affirmation that all my dedication and perseverance were worth it," Ian said.

Reflecting on his journey, Ian sees himself as a survivor and a symbol of resilience, having triumphed over two major life challenges: Typhoon Yolanda in 2013 and the global pandemic in 2020.

"I was working in Tacloban when Yolanda came. The office where we worked, and the house where we lived, were washed out during the typhoon. It almost killed me," he shared.

"After the typhoon, there were bodies around. Natapakan ko pa yung ibang bangkay. (I even stepped on other bodies.) It was really scary," Ian said.

After Yolanda, life tested Ian once again through the pandemic. But instead of giving up, Ian believes these challenges awakened his inner strength and brought out the best in him.

"During the pandemic, I sought out new ways to grow. Inspired by a vlogger who said the key to success is learning new skills, I made the bold decision to show the world who I am. I started uploading training videos online. To my surprise, fans embraced my work, and that was the beginning of a new chapter," Ian recalled.

Ian shared how his work as a pageant trainer goes beyond teaching pasarela—it’s about empowering individuals to develop their unique personalities and discover the confidence to shine on any stage.

"Training is never easy—it’s a journey of transformation. I’ve worked with beauty queens who struggled to break out of their shells, and even athletes like volleyball players who brought their own unique energy.

"I’ve had the privilege of working with beauty queens who had never set foot on a pageant stage—some fresh out of law school, others battling self-doubt.

"Pasarela—the pageant walk—is a celebration of self-expression. I always remind my trainees that their walk should reflect who they are. We experiment, take videos, and find the style that makes them feel most authentic and powerful. The goal is for each queen to embrace her individuality and walk with pride," Ian shared.

Ian once believed he would be limited by labels, dreaming of becoming a fashion designer but unsure of his path. But life had bigger plans. After impressing a makeup artist with his pageant performance, he was encouraged to inspire and guide future beauty queens. Since then, friends have trusted him to help others shine.

His journey eventually brought him to the world of showbiz. In 2025, Ian was honored to be chosen to coach actress Nadine Lustre for her role in the blockbuster movie "Call Me Mother" with Vice Ganda.

"During training, Nadine faced challenges, even hurting her back at one point. I welcomed her to the world of pageantry, where building grace and posture is part of the journey. Despite the difficulties, Nadine embraced the experience and found joy in learning what it truly takes to be a beauty queen," Ian recounted.

While working with Nadine, Ian also formed a special connection with Vice, exchanging stories about pageants and fashion.

In recent years, Ian’s influence has shone through the triumphs of some of the country's brightest beauty queens: Katarina Rodriguez, Michelle Gumabao, Miss International 2019 semifinalist Patch Magtanong, Miss Universe 2023 Top 10 semifinalist Michelle Dee, and Miss Universe 2025 third runner-up Ahtisa Manalo.

Ian also shares a special bond with Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, having been part of her devoted fandom, the Pianatics. His creativity even led him to make a Pia doll that trended online.

Today, Ian pours his passion into training the 51 remarkable candidates for Miss Universe Philippines 2026 and foreign beauty queens.

Ian’s advice to beauty queens is simple yet powerful: "I believe in collaboration and authenticity. Find your unique rhythm and embrace your individuality. It’s wonderful to be inspired by those who came before you, but never lose sight of who you are. Let the world see your light, and not just a reflection of someone else. That’s how you truly shine."