Bella Ysmael hints at a return to pageantry: "I can't promise anything, but you'll definitely see me again"
Bella Ysmael was asked about her potential return to pageantry five years after her participation in Miss Universe Philippines 2020, where she finished as first runner-up. This inquiry happened at the sidelines of the book launch of her pageant mentor, Dr. Gene Segarra Navera, on Sunday, June 29, at Vibal Group, Inc., in Quezon City.
"I don't want to say never. I don't want to say no. I don't know what my fans are [thinking], but I'm definitely not closing my doors, especially now that some of our favorite pageants, like Miss Universe Philippines, have gotten rid of the age limit. We love that," the 28-year-old ballerina beauty queen, now a businesswoman, responded when asked about her retirement from pageantry.
When it comes to the feeling of unfinished business, Bella expressed that there is a natural desire to explore further when one feels there is more to discover, and she certainly feels that urge. "Generally, if I were to join again, it would be exciting for me because I do feel like it's been five years, and I’ve grown so much. I do feel like I was a baby back in 2020, and the Bella that you see now is definitely more woman. I'm definitely more multifaceted now. So, we'll see where the wind takes me."
Bella mentioned that she is currently busy with her businesses, and she views her busyness as a blessing. "As somebody who is creative, I love that I wake up every day and I'm not sure what I'm going to do. I can do so many different things. That doesn't mean that my schedule is full and closed. My plate is a little heavy, but I can take a little bit more. So if that (pageantry) is in my path, we'll find out in a few months."
She also expressed that if she ever competes again for a chance to represent the country in any pageant, she will definitely go with her former training and coaching management, The Camp. "They have been with me from the beginning, and I owe them everything. They're my family at this point."
On being regarded as the 'multo' of pageant fans, "Ewan ko, honestly. As a Leo, I love the attention that you guys have been giving me, but I don't know what it is." One thing that stands out about her Miss Universe Philippines 2020 performances is the beautiful two-piece blue evening gown by Furne Amato that made her look like a real-life Cinderella.
"Well, again, it's up to the universe. If the universe feels like hindi pa ako tapos, then we'll see. Bella also jokingly quips that if her aunt, Margarita "Margie" Moran, the second Filipina to win the Miss Universe crown in 1973, says that she should join, she will have no choice but to do so.
In her message to the pageant community, "After this book launch here, where Dr. Gene talks about his experience seeing the pageant world from the eyes of a fan, I just want to say thank you because, truly, as beauty queens, you guys give us life. You guys give us breath. At the end of the day, we are the image, but we wouldn't have purpose without you guys. Thank you so much for the support you've given us constantly. Kahit ako, it's been five years since I joined, but still you guys just come in so much love. Thank you so much."