Binibining Pilipinas 2023, the 59th edition of the national pageant, began early in January this year as delegates began their journey in the national competition. Nicole Borromeo and Chelsea Fernandez will crown their respective successors at the end of the event finale.
Amongst all the candidates competing at Binibining Pilipinas 2023, Loraine Jara of Bulacan has impressed everyone with her inspirational story. Jara wasn’t able to finish her formal education, a usual basic which people expect beauty queens to show diplomas/honors from.
“My father was one of my inspirations in joining the national pageant because he was a Ginoong Pilipinas 1994 candidate. I also want to inspire people by sharing my story. I am not the typical ‘perfect’ beauty queen you can imagine”, she quoted.
At the age of 21, Loraine became an Overseas Filipino Worker to help the family finance their needs. If her problems were not enough, during the pandemic, her parents passed away within a one-month interval. Jara was left with two siblings to look after and came out more empowered and resilient.
Currently, Jara is a model and a successful business woman as the proud franchise owner of a famous convenience store chain. She decided to be her own boss because when she was at her lowest, a lot of companies rejected her for work because of an unfinished educational attainment (2nd year college undergrad FEU Makati BSBA Marketing).
“I used these rejections to push harder in life. Through my business, I was able to provide for my siblings and be a blessing not just for my family but to other people as well by creating jobs that do not discriminate and give chances to those who are hard working and determined”, she quoted.
Jara also advocates for the creation and establishment of a support system for cancer warriors and their family members. She is now in partnership with Kythe Foundation that supports cancer-stricken kids aged 2 and above and she is hoping to raise this to the bigger stage. She is definitely a strong contender for the national crown.