Emotional Spotlight at Mrs. Universe California 2025
In a moment that resonated beyond the stage, Czarina Umali, crowned Mrs. Universe California 2025, became emotional as she spoke about her mother, Belinda, who is currently undergoing chemotherapy. The intimate interview at the Kingsford Hotel captured a daughter’s heartfelt wish to make her mother proud and to carry forward a legacy of resilience in the face of illness.
With tears glistening in her eyes, Czarina recalled how her mother would travel from Manila to support her in the prestigious pageant. “Nag che-chemotherapy pa siya, and she’s flying here. I hope you are proud of me. I want to become a great mother, even half as good as you are. Kung kaya kong tumbasan kahit kalahati lang, I’ve done my job. I love my mom,” she shared, her voice quivering as she navigated the emotional terrain of family, health, and ambition.
The moment carried additional weight as Czarina spoke of family history with cancer. She noted that her aunt had also fallen victim to breast cancer, underscoring the ever-present fear that accompanies the disease. “I know breast cancer is treatable, but for some of us, it is still very scary,” she said, emphasizing resilience and the urgent need for continued advocacy and support.
A Christmas Wish Rooted in Health
Beyond the competition, Czarina expressed a simple, powerful wish: for her mom to regain health so that family traditions can continue. “My Christmas wish is for my mom and loved ones to remain healthy,” she stated, reflecting a universal desire to protect loved ones and cherish moments together.
Advocacy, Platform, and Purpose
Czarina has long seen pageantry as more than beauty; it is a platform to uplift other women through advocacy and empowerment. She highlighted collaborations with organizations such as Breast Cancer Angels for breast cancer awareness and Ashes to Diamonds for domestic violence advocacy. By leveraging the Mrs. Universe platform—where she also sings and dances—she aims to reach a broad audience and inspire action.
“You cannot put me in a box, and that’s what makes me relatable to anyone, regardless of age,” she remarked, stressing the inclusive nature of pageantry as a vehicle for social impact. She also muses on the longevity and relevance of the Mrs. Universe pageant, arguing that advocacy should grow with experience and reach more women who will someday become leaders themselves.
Her Multicultural Journey and Family Life
Born to a family from Oriental Mindoro and now based in California, Czarina embodies a fusion of cultures. She is a licensed realtor, a professional singer, dancer, and model who has shared stages with prominent Filipino artists in Southern California. Her path reflects a balance of career, faith, and family, including a long-standing commitment to maintaining her mother tongue and cultural roots while embracing life in the United States.
At 11, Czarina and her family moved to the US, and she remains deeply connected to her Mangyan heritage. Married to a Chinese-American, they share three children and a household where fitness, music, and personal time play integral roles in sustaining life’s rhythms. Her message to her younger self—“you’re doing a great job. Don’t ever change yourself”—speaks to the authenticity she brings to the stage and her public life.
The Power of Purpose in Pageantry
For Czarina, pageantry is a platform that lets women pursue their passions with confidence, connect with communities, and transform dreams into tangible impact. She recalls how her parents supported her interracial marriage, perhaps in part because of her cooking and her ability to forge meaningful connections through talent and character. As she continues her journey, she emphasizes self-care, noting that personal time—whether at the gym, in dance classes, or through singing gigs—fuels her energy to serve others.
As the interview closed, the emotional confession about her mother’s struggle reminded fans that behind every crown lies a story of sacrifice, devotion, and the enduring hope that health and happiness will return to loved ones.
