Rechel Hoco, known to her followers as “Rechel in Dubai,” opened up about her inspiring journey as she prepares to compete in Miss Universe Philippines 2025. Representing Oriental Mindoro, Rechel shared how her path from local pageantry to becoming a celebrated content creator in Dubai has prepared her for this monumental step.
Rechel relocated to Dubai in December 2022 in pursuit of fresh opportunities and to reconnect with her brother. Her journey, marked by resilience and growth, has been transformative.
“My journey from local pageants to Miss Universe Philippines has truly been life-changing,” she shared with The Global Filipino Magazine. “It has pushed me to grow beyond my comfort zones, helped me become more confident, and made me deeply understand the responsibility of being a role model. Competing at this level isn’t just about chasing a dream—it’s about giving back to my community and standing for causes that genuinely matter.”
The announcement of her candidacy carries significant weight, especially as Rechel now represents not only her hometown but the global Filipino community. “As I represent Oriental Mindoro, I carry the heart and pride of every Oriental Mindoreño with me, knowing that their unwavering support has molded me into the person I am today,” she shared with emotion.
Rechel’s life as an OFW in Dubai has added a unique dimension to her pageant preparation. This experience, she said, will be a core part of what she brings to the stage. “As an OFW in Dubai, I carry with me the strength and stories of so many hardworking Filipinos who sacrifice every day to support their families and create better lives. I experience it firsthand, and it’s something that I am proud of,” she explained.
With a determined smile, she added, “I bring that strong spirit, the perseverance that every OFW knows by heart, and a love for our heritage that never fades. We are not just ‘OFW lang’; we are Global Filipinos who make names overseas.”
Rechel also hopes to inspire her fellow Filipinos abroad, saying, “I want to be an image of hope to our global Pinoy abroad, na ‘pwede pala,’ ‘kaya pala’ nating mga OFW! We can slay the stage and show the world our strength.”
Rechel’s message for her province and the nation is one of pride and ambition. “Representing Oriental Mindoro, my message is clear: It’s our time to shine! It’s a long time coming, but we are here now, ready to give our first international crown,” she said passionately.
Among the core values she champions is her advocacy, ‘Lakbay, Agapay,’ which focuses on supporting the education of underprivileged children. “I believe that nurturing one child’s dream can ripple out and change families, communities, and the world,” she stated. “I want the world to see Oriental Mindoro not only as a place of beauty but as a home to resilient, compassionate, and driven people ready to uplift others in every possible way.”
“Rest assured, I will carry the flag, my province, and my experiences as an OFW. With everything I’ve learned, I can confidently say we can win this race!” Rechel concluded.
