A Miss Universe material in the making
On a pleasant Holy Monday afternoon, I had the opportunity to meet Stacey Gabriel for the first time at the launch of her advocacy, The Daisy Legacy Prison Ministry. The launch was a significant moment in her campaign for the coveted Miss Universe Philippines 2024 crown.
They say first impressions last, and Stacey gave me the same confident aura I felt when I first interviewed Pia Wurtzbach, Catriona Gray, Patch Magtanong, and Hannah Arnold. She’s eloquent, with a depth that goes beyond beauty and possesses undeniable charisma.
Stacey, representing Cainta, Rizal, is vying for the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 title alongside 52 other delegates. Unfazed by the highly competitive field, she draws on her experience from a previous national pageant where she placed 2nd runner-up two years ago. This experience instilled greater confidence, self-awareness, and a clear vision for her goals. She’s also discovered her personal style and a deeper inner strength, which she sees as true superpowers in pageantry.
“It’s been two years since I joined Binibining Pilipinas, and I’ve gained more life experience. I’m more confident, certain of myself, and exactly know what I want,” the five-foot-five beauty asserted.
“On a more superficial level, I’ve discovered what colors and silhouettes flatter me, developing my personal style and how I want to present myself to the world. This self-discovery is definitely an advantage in pageantry. But more importantly, I’m spiritually stronger. I’ve proven to myself time and time again that I am unbreakable, and that’s a true superpower in pageantry,” she went on.
To strengthen her bid for the crown, Stacey publicly launched The Daisy Legacy Prison Ministry. Beyond being an advocate for mental health, Stacey has dedicated twelve years to prison ministry at the CIW (Correctional Institution for Women) Prison in Mandaluyong City. This outreach program was spearheaded by Stacey’s grandmother, Daisy Gabriel, who introduced Stacey to this noble cause at the young age of 14. To honor her late grandma’s memory, Stacey named it The Daisy Legacy Prison Ministry.
“I’m quite active in this advocacy,” Stacey explained. “But you wouldn’t see any trace of it on social media. My grandmother, who initiated this, lived with such humility and always told me to not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. But recently, I’ve realized the power of this platform. At the end of the day, it’s not about me; it’s about the well-being of the lolas. And if sharing the stories can bring more awareness to this cause, then I’m willing to be the spokesperson and put myself out there.”
Her active work in the ministry involves regular visits to the institution with activities like feeding programs, offering prayers and counseling, and spreading hope amongst the inmates that there are second chances in life that come with beautiful personal transformations.
“In its simplest form, I hope this will give them joy,” Stacey continued. “When we fellowship, we can bring them hope and let them know that there are people who remember and love them outside the prison.”
This prison ministry, which helps 700 CIW inmates, is about accepting and caring for the so-called “outcasts of society,” Stacey said.
Since her grandma’s passing in 2014, Stacey and her family have fully embraced the responsibility of carrying on with this outreach program as a life-long promise. At the core of The Daisy Legacy Prison Ministry lies a profound commitment to acceptance, inclusivity, and hope. It aims to create a world where every prisoner is treated with dignity and respect.
“I want to champion the belief that everyone deserves second chances and that there’s hope in holistic transformations and a better life after incarceration awaits,” Stacey added.
This advocacy is not a one-time event for Stacey. It’s a deeply ingrained passion that has been a part of her life for twelve years, and one she fully intends to carry forward regardless of the pageant’s outcome.
“This legacy will live on. This ministry has a long history and will continue to stand strong. The crown would allow me to expand it and reach a wider audience. Whether or not I win is irrelevant to the future of this legacy; it will carry on long after I’m gone. Of course, I truly hope the crown is destined for me because I could achieve so much with it, and I know the lolas would be incredibly proud to have a Miss Universe Philippines representing them,” she concluded.
