A 56-year-old beauty queen is officially part of the 10 candidates for the upcoming Miss Universe Philippines Quezon City (MUPH QC) pageant. In an exclusive interview with PUSH during the press presentation of the candidates last January 10 at the Fin & Grill restaurant in Quezon City, Catherine Muguerza shared how she decided to enter the prestigious competition.

The winner of the MUPH QC will represent the city at the Miss Universe Philippines competition. Catherine is representing Barangay Sangandaan.

At 56 years old, Catherine shared that she already has experience joining beauty pageants during her younger years. Due to unforeseen circumstances, she was unable to continue her passion for pageantry then.

“When I was 19, I was a finalist in Miss Press Photography–– one of the 15 finalists ako. It was cut short because I got pregnant at an early age. After that, I took care of my children–– I’m a single parent,” she recalled.

Now that her four kids have all moved out of their house, the MUPH QC candidate believes that she is ready to pursue her dream. She shared with PUSH that she asked permission first from her kids to do what she wants this time which they all accepted.

“Siguro this is my time I believe this is my time,” she said.

Getting inspiration from Joyce Cubales, who at 69 years-old, previously competed in the same competition.

“I was inspired by that 69 year old candidate… Ang sexy niya and she’s really beautiful sabi ko nga dapat nanalo siya kahit sa top 5,” she claimed.

Catherine admitted there was pressure to perform well in the pageant. Despite this, she is using it as a motivation rather than a tool to scare herself.

“Alam mo yung kaba hindi nawawala yun eh. That makes it more interesting kapag kinakabahan ka. Kasi pag masyado kang relaxed, parang walang thrill. So mas maganda kung lagi kang kinakabahan,” she maintained.

If there’s anything she wants everyone to remember from her MUPH QC stint, it’s to uplift women of all ages.

“Hindi yung matanda ka na kailangan mo mag alaga ng bata kasi yun yung bash nila last year… No, ang babae hindi yan basta manganganak, magaalaga ng anak, magalaga ng apo, kukulobot at mamatay. Hindi ganun, hindi yun ang bigay ng Diyos.”

“Why not make it masaya na buhay na niregalo ng Diyos sayo, ‘di ba? Yun yung gawin mo. Gusto ko mamulat yung mga tao na parang hindi ka bash bash ‘to. Hindi na dapat yung mga ganyan ganyan. Try to be happy for your fellow Filipino kasi Filipino naman kayo parepareho diba,” she said.

Aside from Muguerza, nine other candidates are vying for the MUPH QC title.

Returning from last year’s first MUPH QC edition is Carmel Anne Aquino, 25, who is representing Project 6.

“I believe (last year) I was this close to winning that crown so this year po I want to be more courageous. Someone who is more— more confident, more competitive, more unstoppable,” she said.

Another candidate is blood cancer survivor Patricia Logdat who is representing Brgy. South Triangle.

“Today I stand as a beacon of resilience. As I advocate for children with cancer, I hope to help them when it comes to health, welfare, financials and livelihoods,” said 5-foot-5 Logdat.

Among the first-time pageant joiners include Miss Loyola Heights Stella Zacarias who slayed her walk during the press conference.

Zacarias considers herself to have always been a curious child growing up, so she’s always had questions about of the world of pageantry at an early age.

Filipino-Australian Zoe Honeyman says representing Brgy. Tatalon is truly a great honor.

“As a proud Filipina-Australian I’ve learned to bridge cultures,” she said.

“Serving my community not only aids my personal growth but also fuels my passion to he a source of connection,” added Honeyman.

Miss Socorro Hanna Amistad is adding another year of pageant experience this time with crowns already claimed across five to ten competitions.

She moved to the Philippines from Dubai in 2019, and believes one of the very important things in life is to live authentically like her beauty queen idol Catriona Gray.

Brgy. Baesa’s Jam Co, a flight attendant of 10 years, is also back in the Philippines after spending her years as a student in the United States.

Other candidates include Andrea Alonzo of E. Rodriguez Sr., Shaina Brllo of Pasong Putik Proper, and Melody Docog of West Kamias.

The winner will succeed reigning beauty Cam Lagmay who has great advice to share with the girls.

“It’s really about the preparation working on their mind, their body, and their spirit.”

“I recommend of course theychave fun throughout. It (the journey) goes by so fast,” said the bride-to-be Lagmay.

The MUPH QC coronation night will happen at the SM North EDSA Skydome this coming February 2, 7 p.m.