Paula Madarieta Ortega has become the official representative of Albay for Miss Universe Philippines 2020 after she was confirmed at the red-carpet presentation held on 14th February 2020 in Manila. The first edition of Miss Universe Philippines i.e. Miss Universe Philippines 2020 is all set to host its coronation on 3rd May 2020 in Mall of Asia Arena, Bay City, Pasay, Metro Manila. Miss Universe Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados will crown her successor at the end of the finale.
Paula Madarieta Ortega, is of full-blooded Filipino who was born and raised in Spain, by a Bicolana and Ilocano parents. She graduated with a degree in Medical Laboratory Technician and worked as a Laboratory Assistant at Saint Paul Hospital of Barcelona. Later, she decided to pursue Nursing from the University of Barcelona and it was only last month when she completed her graduation and is now a certified nurse. She proudly calls herself a nurse as she wanted to become more interactive and immersed with people and this profession will help her to achieve her goal.
Ortega joined a pageant for the first time through Miss Bicolandia 2017. She ended up at 1st Runner Up and had represented the Philippines at the Global Model of the Year 2017 in Portugal, where she was awarded with the Popularity Award. She recalled that when she was 15, she joined a modeling contest in Spain.
“My older sister, Gabriela Madarieta Ortega was the first one in the family who joined pageants. She was top 15 in Bb. Pilipinas 2017 and Miss World Philippines 2017, and she encouraged me to join pageants, because she knows me very well and knew that I would enjoy beauty pageants. And she was right!” Paula said. “I have had the chance to meet wonderful people, connect with my roots, but mostly importantly I have found a new path in my life that I am very eager to pursue, because it really fits my principles in life: helping people, and to be a voice and influence in society.” she continued.
Paula, an aspiring Miss Universe Philippines 2020, loves traveling. She is also interested at learning other cultures, traditions and immersing with them is one of her ultimate goals wherever she goes to visit. “I had the chance to stay with a German family for a month and now I treat them as my second family. I also experienced living and working for 5 months in Norway, where I made lots of friends. And I cannot wait to see them again.” she shared.
Ortega perceives herself as a future nurse, thus she is advocating to help the children. She believes that the children are our future. Henceforth, she is looking in to providing the children with free healthcare, proper nutrition and proper education.
Paula is no new to pageantry as she started off as an official candidate of Mutya ng Ibalong in year 2018 and now she is all ready for the Universe fire. She will definitely be a strong contender and will definitely leave a noteworthy mark in the competition.
The Miss Universe franchise in the Philippines, previously held by Binibining Pilipinas, was granted to Miss Universe Philippines organization which is headed by national director Shamcey Supsup-Lee. As a separate organization Miss Universe Philippines will encourage Filipina women to become empowered individuals, who also embody the mission of being agents of meaningful change wherever they are.