Rechel Hoco, known online as “Rechel in Dubai,” took to social media to share an emotional message of gratitude following her journey as a candidate in Miss Universe Philippines 2025, representing her beloved province of Oriental Mindoro.
In two heartfelt Facebook posts that quickly went viral, Rechel thanked her supporters, fellow OFWs, and the people of Oriental Mindoro for standing by her throughout her pageant experience. “I hope I made you all proud,” she wrote, accompanied by emotional emojis and the line, “Tara mambarang, char labyu all,” a lighthearted signature phrase familiar to her fans.
Her message, “Hindi ito ang wakas bagkus ito ang simula,” (This is not the end, rather the beginning), struck a chord with followers, emphasizing her commitment to continue inspiring others beyond the competition.
Rechel’s Miss Universe PH journey was a significant milestone in her transformation from a barangay pageant regular to a rising digital content creator in the UAE. Since moving to Dubai in 2022, she has built a strong following through her relatable vlogs, including the popular “Tara, Kain Tayo!” series, and amassed over a million fans on TikTok.
While she didn’t take home the crown, her campaign earned massive support from OFWs across the globe, who saw her as a symbol of resilience and representation for overseas Filipinos. Her fellow candidate, Ma. Ahtisa Manalo of Quezon Province, was eventually crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2025 and will represent the country in Bangkok this November.
