From Farm Girl to Miss Universe Philippines Contender
From the rice fields of Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro, to the dazzling stage of Miss Universe Philippines 2025, Rechel Hoco’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Born into a humble farming community as the daughter of a farmer and a housemaid, Rechel’s story is one of resilience, faith, and determination. Following the loss of her father in 2021, she moved to Dubai to support her family, working long hours as a hostess while quietly nurturing her dreams. What began as light-hearted videos with her brother soon turned into a digital breakthrough when she became a viral sensation on TikTok, amassing over a million followers and capturing hearts across the globe. Today, she is celebrated not only as Miss Universe Philippines Oriental Mindoro and a Global Filipino Icon Finalist 2024, but also as a self-made creator who inspires countless Filipinos. In this exclusive interview with CP Magazine, Rechel shares her story of courage, culture, and the unwavering belief that no dream is ever too big.
Could you tell us a little about yourself and what has shaped your early life?
I’m Rechel Hoco, born and raised in Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro. I grew up in a simple farming community, the daughter of a farmer and a housemaid. Life was not easy, but it was full of lessons that shaped me into a strong and determined woman. I lost my father in 2021, and that changed my life completely. I learnt early on the value of hard work, resilience, and faith and those became my foundation.
What was it like growing up in Oriental Mindoro, and how has your heritage influenced your path?
Growing up in Oriental Mindoro felt like living in a postcard. The mountains, rice fields, and beaches were part of my everyday view. Our culture is rich in tradition, kindness, and bayanihan. That upbringing taught me to be proud of my roots and to carry my heritage wherever I go. Every time I step on stage or post online, I feel like I’m bringing a piece of Mindoro with me.
Could you share some details about your education and how you balance your studies with your other pursuits?
I’m working towards finishing my associate degree. Balancing studies with my career can be challenging, especially with my schedule as a content creator and beauty queen, but I believe in the importance of education. I manage my time by setting priorities, even if it means studying during breaks or late at night.
We understand you are working towards an associate degree. What field are you studying, and how do you manage your time between studies and your career?
I’m focused on a course that can help me in media and communications. I want to make sure that whatever I’m learning will strengthen my work in content creation and public speaking. I create a schedule that allows me to dedicate specific hours for school, and I stay disciplined even when things get busy.
What inspired you to start creating content on social media?
It started as a way to share my life with my friends and family, especially after I moved abroad. But when one of my videos unexpectedly went viral, I realised that I could use this platform to connect with more people, share stories, and inspire others.
What type of content do you most enjoy producing, and why?
I love creating travel and food content, my “Tara Gala Tayo” series is a favourite because it combines my love for exploring places and sharing Filipino culture. I enjoy seeing people relate to the experiences I share, whether it’s a simple meal or a beautiful destination.
How do you stay motivated to create new content every day?
I think about the people who message me saying I made their day or reminded them of home. That’s enough to keep me going. Even when I feel tired, I remind myself why I started and who I’m doing this for.
You moved to Dubai in late 2022 to support your family after your father’s passing. What motivated you at that point, and how did that decision shape your journey?
When my father passed, I knew I had to step up for my family. I wanted to give my mother and siblings a better life. Moving to Dubai was scary. I didn’t know what was ahead but it pushed me to grow, work harder, and never give up. That decision opened doors I never imagined.
You began working as a hostess in Dubai to support your family. Could you describe what that experience was like and how you handled the challenges of working long hours?
It was exhausting, both physically and emotionally. I would work long hours on my feet, smile for guests even when I was tired, and still send money home. But it taught me patience, people skills, and how to push through challenges without losing sight of my goals.
One of your early TikTok videos, made just for fun with your brother, unexpectedly went viral. What happened, and how did it feel for you?
It was a simple video of us playing Lato-Lato, just for fun. Within 24 hours, it had a million views. I was shocked but also grateful. It reminded me that sometimes, the most genuine moments are the ones people connect with the most.
You now have over a million followers on TikTok. How do you maintain authenticity and connection with your audience as your platform grows?
I stay true to myself. I post in Tagalog because that’s who I am, and I want my audience to feel like we’re just friends talking. I also try to reply to comments and messages when I can.
You began competing in beauty pageants as a teenager. What first drew you to these competitions, and what do you love about pageantry?
I joined my first pageant at 13. At first, it was curiosity and the thrill of wearing beautiful gowns. But I stayed because it gave me confidence, taught me discipline, and opened opportunities to inspire others.
You’ve competed in many pageants. Which titles or moments are you most proud of, and why?
I’m proud of every crown from Miss Oriental Mindoro 2019, Miss Kasarinlan UAE 2023, Global Filipino Icon 2024, to Miss Universe Philippines Oriental Mindoro 2025. Each one carries a story of hard work and community support.
Representing Oriental Mindoro in Miss Universe Philippines 2025 is a remarkable achievement. How did it feel to return to the pageant scene and represent your home province?
It felt like coming full circle. Walking on that stage with “Oriental Mindoro” on my sash was an honour. I knew I was carrying the pride of my province, and I wanted to give my best for them.
You prepared for Miss Universe Philippines 2025 on your own, doing your own hair and make-up and having no stylist. How did you manage that challenge, and what did you learn from the experience?
It wasn’t easy, but it made me resourceful. I practised doing my own glam, researched styling tips, and trusted myself. It taught me that you don’t always need a big team. Sometimes, self-belief is your best asset.
The support from the Filipino community in the UAE was enormous. How did their encouragement influence your journey?
Their love gave me strength. Every message, every post, every cheer reminded me that I wasn’t alone. Even from miles away, they made me feel at home.
Even though you did not win the crown, many felt that you had already won their hearts. How did that affect your perception of success?
It made me realise that success isn’t just about titles. It’s about the impact you leave on people. If I inspired even one person to chase their dreams, I already won.
You often describe yourself as “self-made”. What does being self-made mean to you, and what qualities do you think helped you succeed on your own?
Being self-made means building my path from the ground up without depending on anyone to hand me opportunities. Determination, resilience, and humility have been my tools.
Looking back on your journey from a humble beginning to where you are now, what has been the most rewarding lesson or moment for you so far?
The most rewarding lesson is that no dream is too big if your heart is in the right place. The most rewarding moment is seeing my family smile, knowing they’re proud of me.
Finally, what message or advice would you like to share with the readers of CP magazine who look up to you?
Don’t be afraid to start small. Every step counts. Hold on to your values, be proud of who you are, and never forget where you came from. Your roots will always guide you home.
