TWO regional candidates for Miss Universe Philippines (MUPh) — Elle Hollman from Mariveles, Bataan, and Victoria Leslie Ingram from Mandaue City — are looking to express their advocacy on social concerns, including anti-violence against women and children, and awareness of prenatal literacy.

BATAAN AND MANDAUE BEAUTIES Elle Hollman (right) from Mariveles, Bataan, and Victoria Leslie Ingram from Mandaue City are looking to share their experiences in life in joining the Miss Universe Philippines. Hollman, a mother of two, wants everyone to be aware of the social issues, including violence against children and women, while Ingram, a registered nurse, is hoping to impart her practical knowledge in nursing. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS BATAAN AND MANDAUE BEAUTIES Elle Hollman (right) from Mariveles, Bataan, and Victoria Leslie Ingram from Mandaue City are looking to share their experiences in life in joining the Miss Universe Philippines. Hollman, a mother of two, wants everyone to be aware of the social issues, including violence against children and women, while Ingram, a registered nurse, is hoping to impart her practical knowledge in nursing. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

In an interview with The Manila Times, the two bets shared their own experiences and discussed how their causes hold significance when it comes to women's empowerment.

Hollman is bringing into the contest her experiences drawn from various stints in life, including runway modelling. She is also a businesswoman, an event planner, sportscaster and former member of a cheerleading team.

"My advocacy is about the protection of women and children against violence, as I personally experienced being abused physically and verbally by my ex-husband while pregnant with my second baby, and it was really hard," Hollman said.

"By recognizing the early signs of abuse, we can easily intervene and stop the violence right before it starts, so I encourage everyone to create a safer and more compassionate world where everyone is away from fear and harm," she stressed.

Ingram, 27, a registered nurse with a Masters Degree in Public Administration, has dedicated her career to advancing public health.

"My advocacy is aligned with my profession as a public health nurse, called the #BePrepared Campaign, which aims to improve expecting mothers' health knowledge through prenatal literacy," Ingram told The Manila Times."I have taught mothers in different villages in Mandaue about nutrition, immunization and proper breastfeeding; though it is part of their prenatal visits, it is still crucial to remind them regularly to empower them further to make sound decisions as a woman and a mother," she said.

The MUPh has become a symbol of optimism and empowerment whether the candidates support local organizations or advocate for essential causes.

Coronation night will be held on May 22 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

Ticket prices start at P499 for general admission, P1,499 for upper box, P3,499 for lower box regular, P4,950 for lower box premium and P9,950 for the VIP area.

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