Former beauty queen and actress Daisy Reyes has reached a defining spiritual milestone after being conferred a prestigious Merit Award recently, recognizing nearly two decades of devoted service in ministry.

The recognition was given by The Evangelical Ark Mission (TEAM), formally acknowledging her long-standing commitment to faith-based work and outreach.

The award cited her “significant contribution to the vision and mission of TEAM for almost two decades, thereby positively affecting countless lives and nations.”

But beyond the ceremony and applause, the moment marked something deeper: the public confirmation of a transformation that has been years in the making.

For many, Reyes remains a familiar face from Philippine cinema’s late 1990s and early 2000s, starring in drama, action, and sexy roles alongside the decades’ biggest action stars. Earlier, she served as a Binibining Pilipinas-World titleholder.

Today, that past feels like another lifetime.

“The Gospel, walking faithfully with Jesus through every season, has led me to this sacred calling—as a Pastor,” she shared.

“My heart is full of gratitude and humility. I never imagined this journey, yet God has been faithful every step of the way.”

Reyes describes her spiritual path not as a sudden shift, but as a gradual awakening shaped by hardship, loss, and introspection.

“Although I had to go through difficult and painful times, those moments became part of my turning point,” she said. “In my brokenness, I encountered God in a deeper way and realized He was calling me to something greater.”

What once defined her public image, glamour, controversy, and fame, eventually became the very experiences that pushed her toward transformation.

“The transition wasn’t easy,” she admitted. “Moving from the spotlight to a life of service required letting go of old identities, comforts, and even people. It was a humbling process that tested my faith and obedience.”

Reyes has never been distant from public scrutiny. Her earlier roles and controversies often shaped how audiences perceived her. But she now says her sense of identity is no longer anchored on public opinion.

“I understand that people may remember my past more than my present, and I don’t take that against them,” she said. “What matters most to me is not what people say, but how God sees me now.”

She also acknowledges moments of doubt, especially when confronted with judgment tied to her former image.

“But instead of allowing it to weaken my faith, it pushed me to depend more on God,” she said. “I learned to forgive, to stay focused on His calling, and to trust that He is the one who truly knows my heart.”

Reyes shared that her faith deepened significantly during seasons of poverty and uncertainty, when material stability disappeared and spiritual reliance became her only anchor.

“In those moments of lack and uncertainty, I experienced His provision, His presence, and His faithfulness in a very real way,” she reflected.

Over time, she says her understanding of purpose completely shifted.

“Before, my understanding of purpose was more focused on success, recognition, and personal fulfillment,” she said. “Now, I see purpose as serving Him and being used to impact the lives of others.”

Now standing fully in ministry, Reyes says her mission is rooted in hope, especially for those who feel lost or overlooked.

“My mission is to remind people that God is merciful and faithful to His promises. He will never leave us, and He hears every prayer,” she said.

She added a message directed particularly at young people navigating uncertainty:

“I especially want to encourage the young and those who are losing hope in these difficult times: keep growing, study the Word of God, stay humble, and continue to uplift others. Because when you empower others, you lead well.”

Looking back, Reyes now sees her life as a continuous narrative shaped by both light and shadow: fame, controversy, struggle, and ultimately, surrender.

“Yes, I believe everything I went through—fame, controversy, and reinvention—was used by God to shape and lead me to where I am now,” she said.

“Even the difficult and unclear seasons had purpose. God was working in my life the whole time, guiding me step by step toward His calling.”