TRANSBEAUTY MAGAZINE: Exclusive Interview With Queen Mela Habijan, The First Ever Miss Trans Global
Photographed By Ahleks Fusilero Makeup Artist & Designer: Ray Bien Maglozo Hair: Keigh Dones Stylist: Omar Sali
Earlier in the year, I was honoured to interview Queen Mela about her life, work, family and her incredible achievements at these difficult times.
Tell us about the extraordinary events in the past 1 year that made you the woman you are today?
'2020 was definitely a roller coaster ride; while it brought me intense anxiety, it also gave me moments of satisfaction.
When the pandemic shockingly led the world into a territorial lockdown, I’ve lost a massive number of work opportunities. Working as a freelance writer, actress, and speaker, I thought it was the end of my career.
But while there was pressure, it pushed me to be creative and be courageous. It allowed me to seize opportunities that surprisingly manifested along the way — from creating my own peanut butter brand, “Miss Mela’s”, producing my own talk show, “3Some”, to submitting my audition for Miss Trans Global.
And these moments changed the course of my 2020.
Though the latter part of 2020 brought me back to the traumatic experience of getting flooded, of seeing our house getting destroyed again, one thing gave me strength: my family. We got through it together — slowly but assured. I was sustained by their presence, their faith and their love.
So while I thought 2020 would break my spirit, it actually inspired me to keep fighting because my life, my dreams, and my loved ones are always worth it. As I always tell myself, “#MELAban ako!” (I was born to be a fighter and give a good fight.)'
'I won’t deny that there is pressure because this is a huge responsibility. But knowing that I have strong cheerleaders who committed to guide and support me during my reign and beyond, I have been taking on the challenge with a fulfilled heart.'
As a global title holder, do you feel pressured to represent the global transgender community in a positive light?
'I won’t deny that there is pressure because this is a huge responsibility. But knowing that I have strong cheerleaders who committed to guide and support me during my reign and beyond, I have been taking on the challenge with a fulfilled heart.
Knowing that there are more young LGBTQIA+ people who get inspired by my journey and my wisdom, and who listen to me, I am constantly educating myself, using my social media platforms to educate and enlighten, and just simply living my life holding onto to the commitment that in anything that I say or do, I am a representative of my community”'
Tell our audience about your pageant history and why you got into it?
'I’ve always been fascinated about pageants and queens. As a 4-year old kid, my first dream was to be crowned Miss Universe. From then on, I have always identified myself as an empowered, regal queen.
Before I began my journey to womanhood, I had joined pageants, which were mainly produced for fun, in line with the celebration of Christmas. One was by my friends called Miss Pussy World International of the Universe, and two by former company, ABS-CBN (where I used to work as a writer), named Empress of Talk (2010) and Binibining ABS-CBN. I was crowned the winner of all three pageants.'
'I treat the pageant stage as a world where I can be confident, shine, and be my truest self. In fact, it was when I joined Binibining ABS-CBN that I first had a glimpse of the woman that I really was. And now, here I am — a fully embodied and empowered Queen Mela, sharing myself with the world as your first-ever Miss Trans Global.'
'When I embraced Mela and the opportunities of joining pageants came about, I tried out. In 2019, I joined Queen of the Philippines and Miss [Gay] San Fernando, where I ended up as 3rd runner-up and 1st runner-up, respectively.
I treat the pageant stage as a world where I can be confident, shine, and be my truest self. In fact, it was when I joined Binibining ABS-CBN that I first had a glimpse of the woman that I really was. And now, here I am — a fully embodied and empowered Queen Mela, sharing myself with the world as your first-ever Miss Trans Global.'
Do you plan to join other local or international pageants in the future?
'I’m satisfied with being Miss Trans Global. But if I’d be given the chance and be chosen to represent my beloved Philippines again in any pageant, I would definitely take it. I believe that it would help me deepen, strengthen, and amplify the trans discourse that I have started and keep the world engaged and educated about trans identity, plight, and power.
But if not pageantry, I know that there are multiple platforms to which I can further my vision and advocacy.'
You are an established television actress and a singer, how did you get into the entertainment industry?
'I just want to clarify that I am not a singer. I only sing for fun or when I’m asked. Truth be told, I stopped singing for quite some time, after getting rejected from an audition to be a contestant for a televised singing competition. I was told that my identity was confusing and hearing that shattered my confidence and hope of performing on television.
Only to find out that years after, when I had fully freed Mela, I would be given the chance to act. It actually happened unexpectedly. I was only invited to be a resource person to help the actress who would take on the role of a trans woman. Surprisingly, after two months, I received a call from them that I was casted to be the actress’ best friend for the series.
This acting debut eventually opened more doors for me to get casted for anthologies and digital series. And I’m proud that these chances allowed me to champion visibility and representation for trans people.
Hopefully, more trans people will get the same chances that I am having so far.'
'The Habijans’ love and acceptance allowed me to conquer my fears and unleash my best and fullest potential.'
You have a wonderful relationship with your family, what can parents and families of transgender children around the world learn from yours?
'The Habijans’ love and acceptance allowed me to conquer my fears and unleash my best and fullest potential. I owe them my power. Having them by my side, supportive of all of my endeavours, gave me the courage to dream big, take on chances, and dare to soar.
That even if I fail, I have a safe, loving home to go back to where I can regain my confidence and be hopeful again.
When an LGBTQIA+ kid experiences the love from his/her/their own family, it makes a difference.'
Where do you see yourself in 2030?
Career-wise, I might have conquered Hollywood or have entered Philippine politics.
Advocacy-wise, I am mentoring young trans girls discovering their power as women, and young LGBQIA+ people who want to deepen their activism.
Relationship wise, I see myself married with the husband I prayed for and together, we are progressively raising two charming and talented boys.
By 2030, I envision a Mela living a content life of purpose.
What projects are you involved with this year and what should your fans look out for during your reign as Miss Trans Global?
This year, I am committed to actively engage with the world through the platforms that I have to further strengthen awareness and education about the LGBTQIA+ community.
With the help of our allies, I am set to launch TransForm Woman, True Colors, and #Womanity.
I will be accepting invitations from schools, multinational and private companies, government agencies, and international/local communities.
I will be vocal in socio-political-economic discourses that affect the LGBTQIA and other oppressed sectors.
I will be participating in the activities of STRAP (Society of Transexual Women of the Philippines), PANTAY Pilipinas, and Love Yourself.
I will be involved in Filipino voter’s participation and education programs of We The Youth Vote and COMELEC, especially that we are anticipating the 2022 Presidential Elections.
And I will still be pursuing writing and online content productions.
For me, it’s important for a queen to be a person of substance and more importantly, purpose. And the purpose should always go beyond the self and must affect others become and experience better.
What advice will you give to women who hope to take in your foot steps of becoming a global queen?
To aspiring queens, I want them to go beyond physical beauty. I want them to focus on enhancing their skills and talents, building relationships and collaborating with people, and educating themselves about the issues that affect the society that they live in.
For me, it’s important for a queen to be a person of substance and more importantly, purpose. And the purpose should always go beyond the self and must affect others become and experience better.
Finally, what will you tell a 10 year old girl called Mela struggling with her gender identity and afraid of her future?
You may not understand it now because you are still young, naive, and innocent. And you may feel doubtful of yourself because of the the culture you’ve been brought up into. You may hear words like you’ll go to hell, you’re a sinner, and you’re not worthy of living and loving.
But remember, BTS and Lady Gaga were rejected and humiliated, The Ugly Ducking was laughed at by her peers, and even Jesus was hated. But look at what they have become.
It’s okay to be confused and be fearful because these are invitations to be brave and loving. Once you’ve owned yourself, you’ll never hold back to shine and be your brightest.
Follow Queen Mela on @MissMelaHabijan
THIS ARTICLE WOULD BE UPDATED WITH 3 MORE COVERS OF QUEEN MELA AS WE FOLLOW MISS TRANS GLOBAL 2021. STAY TUNED!
Miss Trans Global will crown it's second queen later this month. Follow their social networking sites to watch the show.
https://www.facebook.com/MissTransGlobal
https://twitter.com/MissTransGlobal
https://www.instagram.com/misstransglobal
