Women who believe—and more so, act as if, and proclaim—that they are beautiful (in colloquial speak, Gandang Ganda Sa Sarili) are still looked down upon as conceited or self-absorbed by society. Especially when their looks do not conform with conventional and deeply ingrained colonial beauty and body standards. And especially in the Philippines, where the tall, skinny, and fair Virgin Mary beauty ideal has pervaded since 1521.

In this episode, top content creator, host and podcaster Ayn Bernos helps us unlock the power of believing in our beauty. At 5’3”, she broke beauty pageant ground when she joined Ms. Universe Philippines in 2021 and placed in the Top 16. During the pageant, she was bashed for looking “too common,” and for daring to join—even if she looked like the majority of Filipina women. Ayn speaks against colorism and advocates for empowerment through education through her content on confidence, education and empowerment. The entrepreneur behind the Morena the Label statement shirts for the kayumanggi community which is now a non-profit organization, she is also the author of the children’s book My Name is Morena.