Rechel in Dubai. MISS UNIVERSE PHILIPPINES

Filipino expat and social media influencer Rechel Hoco, widely known as Rechel in Dubai, has been announced as one of the 69 official candidates vying for the Miss Universe Philippines 2025 title. Rechel, who hails from Oriental Mindoro, Philippines, is among the hopefuls aiming to succeed reigning queen Chelsea Manalo. Other notable contenders in the competition include Ahtisa Manalo of Quezon Province and Winwyn Marquez of Muntinlupa. The coronation night’s date and venue have yet to be officially announced. Since the recent reveal of her official headshot on the Miss Universe Philippines Facebook page, Rechel has garnered overwhelming support from fans, with the post receiving over 136,000 reactions and nearly 8,000 shares as of Tuesday (February 25). The influencer has 1.6 million followers on Facebook, where she shares vlogs about expat life in the UAE. She shuttles between Dubai and Oriental Mindoro for brand endorsements, balancing her digital career with her aspirations for the pageant crown. Her latest video on Dubai featured her New Year’s Eve celebration in Al Rigga. Rechel’s journey in Dubai began in 2022 when she moved to the city to join her brother and find work. Before her rise to online fame, she worked as a restaurant staff member and later as a sales agent for a travel and tourism company. Through her vlogs, she has offered a candid look into the experiences of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Dubai, earning her a loyal following among Filipino expats. Her Miss Universe Philippines 2025 journey marks a new chapter in her career, showcasing her evolution from an OFW to an influential public figure and now a beauty queen contender. ICA/Expat Media
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