Back in 2016, Riana Agatha Pangindian was still a 19 year-old pageant newbie who joined Bb. Pilipinas mainly for the experience. And what a journey she fondly relishes from that stint. An inclusion in the Top 15 was almost unexpected – given that she had to battle with the likes of Maxine Medina, Kylie Verzosa, Nicole Cordoves, Jennifer Hammond, Nichole Manalo and Joanna Eden who went home with the crowns. But she was actually part of that essential cut.

Instead of pushing herself into joining more beauty contests after that experience, Riana opted to finish her studies first. She graduated June of last year and took the board exams. She is now licensed to teach Biological Science. Her plan is to return to pageantry one more time before she finally focuses on becoming a full-time Educator. Her personal advocacy is actually inspired by her profession:

“I would like to focus on the importance of mentorship to the next generation. Growing up, I have been exposed to this process until I ventured to the field of education up to now that I am already a Professional Teacher. I learned that this is a key method to exponential wholistic growth of a person, whether young or old. So if we can invest on our current and future teachers – by supporting them emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually – it could help inspire and rekindle their joy and passion to teach with love and have respect for one another, moreso to the students they encounter.

This might be a huge undertaking, and I know I can’t do it on my own. So for now I’m starting small by mentoring younger women in my community which I believe is vital in their journey to adulthood. In all of these I know that I’m not alone because I have a God who is able to do far more than what I can think.”

I would really like to see the much-improved version of Riana in the coming months. And it’s looking like we can all see her return. As to which national pageant, let’s just wait and see.