Mrs. Universe PH 2025 Vivian Caramba shares story of elegance, empowerment

 

By Carissa Alcantara

Published Sep 8, 2025 11:51 am | Updated Sep 8, 2025 07:13 pm

At A Glance

• Vivian joined pageantry mainly to inspire other women.   

After competing for the crown of Mrs. Universe 2025 Philippines, successful business owner and beauty queen Vivian Caramba is ready for the challenge.

During an intimate press conference held at the Lexus Manila Gallery in Taguig, Vivian shared her story and why she decided to enter pageantry.

"I entered pageantry kasi gusto ko ipakita na ang tagumpay ay hindi lamang sa negosyo, ito ay nagbibigay inspirasyon sa ating kapwa lalo na sa mga kababaihan," Vivian said.

(I entered pageantry to show that success isn’t limited to the business world — it can also inspire our communities, especially other women.)

Reflecting on her childhood, Vivian shared that she only took part in high school intramurals and never imagined she would one day step onto a real pageant stage.

"Before kinukuha na ako as muse, like varsity muse mga ganun pero I never expected na makakasali ako sa Mrs. Universe. Actually medyo nasurprise nga ako na kinukuha ako to participate on this pageant," she said.

(Before this, I was chosen as a muse for school events, like for the varsity team, but I never imagined I’d one day be part of something like Mrs. Universe. Honestly, I was a bit surprised when I was invited to join the pageant.

According to Vivian, it was an unforgettable experience for her to be able to walk on stage and win the crown.

"Kasi kung ano yung hindi ko naranasan dati kung kailan nagka-edad ako tsaka ako nakaranas ng ganitong pangyayari sa buhay ko," she added.

(Because it was something I had never gone through before — and to experience it later in life made it even more meaningful)

As the newly crowned Mrs. Universe PH 2025, Vivian also received a luxurious Lexus vehicle from her husband, Bernie Caramba. The couple's friends and family were present during the official turnover of the car.

The Lexus LM highlighted during the ceremony is regarded as the pinnacle of luxury mobility. Its spacious design, advanced innovations, and unmatched comfort make it the ultimate choice for those who value prestige and elegance in every journey.

Surrounded by dear friends, Vivian Caramba marked the handover in an atmosphere filled with celebration and camaraderie.

Vivian is now preparing for the upcoming 48th Edition of Mrs. Universe 2025, which will be happening on Oct. 08 in Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City

The perfect band-aid: 'Walang Aray'

 

By Philip Cu Unjieng

Published Sep 8, 2025 01:45 pm   

With a run at the PETA-PHINMA Theater that lasts until Oct. 12, you have no excuse for not catching this wonderful third iteration of "Walang Aray!"

Jun Reyes, founder of Indie Go Media and legendary commercial director, first commissioned playwright Rody Vera to modify and make ‘hip’ the original classic zarzuela Walang Sugat, which was written by Jun’s great-grandfather, Severino Reyes. Conceptualized as a screenplay in 2007, PETA suggested adapting it for the stage in 2018, with the addition of original music by Vince Lim. Directed by Ian Segarra, Walang Aray returns after a highly acclaimed 2023 run, with tweaks here and there, from casting choices to additional topical lines, that make this a fresh and vibrant viewing experience.

I have enjoyed Into the Woods, am ready to watch The Bodyguard, but as a Filipino, you really owe it to yourself to make Walang Aray your must-watch. And I’m saying this in the context of being Filipino, and not just because you’re a Filipino theater fan. It’s Philippine history, it’s issues of the present day, it’s side-splitting comedy, it’s brilliant music, it’s teleserye country, it’s constant breaking of the 4th wall, and pithy satire - all couched under the guise of an updating of the zarzuela genre. There’s genuine alchemy in how Vera’s book is merged with Lim’s songs and sifted through Segarra’s deft directing, conjuring up these magical two and a half hours of sheer theatrical havoc and fun!

Ice Seguerra taking his bow.

With most of the action set in a late 19th-century Manila theater where the zarzuelas would have been staged, our main protagonists are the singing star Julia and the man who is courting her, Tenyong. Then there’s Julia’s mother, Juana - the stage mother from Hell; and there are Monica and Lucas, the help of Julia and Tenyong. Other main characters include the rich theater benefactor Tadeo, with his shifty son, Miguel; and the shadowy Padre Alfaro, a villainous Friar. The different locations have connections to the impending Revolution, and are where the Katipuneros would congregate.

So, yes, if you want to call this our Hamilton, I’m not going to argue with you as long as it gets people to rush and get their tickets. Besides, it’s so much funnier than Hamilton, and there are actually more memorable songs. Lim successfully explores pop, the blues, rap, and ballads in the course of this musical. And you’ll love how, in true PETA fashion, there are no ‘sacred cows’ in the book's attack - jibes at the Church and Governor are expected. Still, Vera also pokes fun at his own heroes and their foibles, as well as questioning the Katipuneros and their motivation and resolve. Wonderful to see everyone being satirized.

Jolina Magdangal as Juana.

On the night I watched, the performers were a shout-out to inclusivity and trans-presence. Lance Reblando took on the role of Julia, while Ice Seguerra was Lucas. Jolina Magdangal portrayed Juana, Gio Gahol was Tenyong; and with Roi Galilong as Padre Alfaro and Bene Manaois as Miguel, there were more precious comedic moments than there are stars in heaven.

I watched with some friends from the French Embassy, and thanks to the subtitles flashed on two discreet screens, they could follow the action and storyline. It was their first experience of Filipino musical comedy, and they loved the energy, the singing, the breaking of the 4th wall, and the political overtones. They weren’t getting all the jokes, conscious that others were laughing around them when throw away lines referring to sabungeros and flood control were uttered; but they were all smiles when we left the theater.

To be critical, the second half doesn’t work as well as the first half, and there is the classic quandary of a somewhat abrupt resolution to bring things to a close - but these are very minor qualms. By and large, this is a theater experience that we should all enjoy and spread the word about. Original Filipino material, a musical that works, and satire that succeeds - it’s guaranteed fun, and given the current state of the world, we deserve the break.

10 situations where silence is the best choice

 10 situations where silence is the best choice

1)There are moments in life when silence becomes the wisest response. Staying silent is often the best choice when you don’t know the full story, as speaking without full understanding may lead to wrong assumptions.✨

2) When you're overwhelmed by emotions or unable to control them, silence helps prevent regret.

3) In the heat of anger, silence guards against saying things that could cause harm.

4) If your words have the power to damage a meaningful friendship or relationship, it’s wiser to stay silent.

5) Similarly, when you're unsure about a topic or lack the necessary knowledge, it’s better to listen than to speak.

6) When someone opens up about their struggles and vulnerabilities, silence shows respect and compassion.

7) If you find yourself unable to speak without yelling, taking a step back in silence allows you to regain control.

8) Sometimes, silence can preserve relationships that matter deeply.

9) Speaking only to boost your ego or seek validation adds no value, and in such times, staying quiet is more powerful.

10) Most importantly, if your words could betray someone’s trust, silence becomes a form of loyalty.✨