Filipina influencer and Miss Universe Philippines 2025 contender Rechel Hoco, more popularly known as “Rechel in Dubai”, proved that elegance is never about price tags when she graced Dubai Fashion Week SS26 at Dubai Design District.
The former restaurant hostess-turned-viral TikTok star arrived in a sleek dark green Rizman Ruzaini gown, the celebrated Malaysian couture label known for dressing international icons such as Naomi Campbell. But what truly caught attention online was her accessory of choice: a sparkling green handbag she revealed to be a AED 20 find from Day to Day Union.
In her Facebook post on September 2, Hoco reminded her followers: “Always remember na wala sa price ’yan, nasa pagdadala natin!” She later added in the comments, “’Di ba 20 dirhams lang ’yan!! Hindi natin afford ang million pesos for a bag,” drawing laughter and admiration from her fans.
Luxury meets affordability
Day to Day shops are known across Dubai for offering affordable goods for expats, from groceries to fashion finds. For Hoco, pairing a couture gown with a budget accessory was not only a bold fashion choice but also a reflection of her practical and down-to-earth personality—qualities that have endeared her to her 1.3 million TikTok followers.
Her post quickly resonated with fellow Filipinos. One follower wrote, “It’s not about price, it’s all about fashion,” while another agreed, “True, sa nagdadala lang ’yan—basta elegant ang mukha, nagiging elegant din ang sinusuot.”
From Mindoro to the world stage
Rechel Hoco’s journey from Oriental Mindoro to the glittering runways of Dubai has been marked by resilience. She moved to Dubai in December 2022, worked as a hostess in Jumeirah, and unexpectedly went viral with a TikTok video of her playing the “lato-lato.” That moment launched her into digital stardom, and she has since competed in over 170 pageants, representing Oriental Mindoro in Miss Universe Philippines 2025.
Though she did not make it to the top 12 of the competition, Hoco won hearts for competing without a glam squad, relying on her brother for makeup advice, and for staying authentic to her humble roots.
