For Filipina writer, host, beauty queen and advocate Mela Habijan, becoming comfortable with who she is was a journey that took time.
Today, Mela proudly celebrates her identity and achievements. But before reaching that point, she had to overcome fear, uncertainty and the pressure of living in a society where transgender people are not always understood or accepted.
Her story became the focus of an inspiring episode of ABS-CBN's “Tao Po,” where she opened up about her coming-out journey and the important role her family played in her life.
Finding the Courage to Be Herself
Mela has spoken openly about how understanding her identity happened gradually.
When she was younger, she initially understood herself as gay. It was only later that she encountered the word “transgender” and began recognizing what it meant for her own identity.
Accepting that part of herself was not immediately easy.
Mela knew the stereotypes and discrimination faced by transgender women in the Philippines. That made embracing her identity frightening at first.
Eventually, however, fear gave way to greater confidence.
Her journey taught her that she could define her own womanhood rather than allowing other people's expectations to define it for her.
Her Relationship With Her Father
One of the most personal parts of Mela's “Tao Po” interview is her story about coming out and her relationship with her father.
Family acceptance can have an enormous impact on a person's life, and Mela has frequently spoken about the love she received from her parents.
That support became part of the foundation that allowed her to pursue her ambitions.
Rather than hiding who she was, Mela eventually reached a point where she could celebrate both her identity and her accomplishments publicly.
Making History as Miss Trans Global
In September 2020, Mela represented the Philippines at the inaugural Miss Trans Global competition.
She won.
That made her the first-ever winner of Miss Trans Global, an international competition created to provide a platform for transgender women while promoting advocacy and visibility.
For Mela, however, the crown represented more than personal recognition.
She has consistently connected her public work with advocacy for LGBTQIA+ people and particularly the experiences of transgender Filipinos.
Building a Life Beyond the Crown
Mela's accomplishments extend far beyond beauty competitions.
She has worked as a writer, actress, television host and advocate. She has also used her public platform to speak about equality and greater inclusion for LGBTQIA+ people.
Her journey has continued internationally as well.
In 2024, while her “Tao Po” feature was airing, Mela was pursuing postgraduate studies in Spain.
It is another part of a life that refuses to be limited to one title.
She can be a trans woman and a beauty queen. She can also be a writer, student, host, advocate and professional pursuing new opportunities.
Why Mela's Story Matters
Mela Habijan's story is especially meaningful for Filipino viewers because it shows a transgender Filipina succeeding without having to erase the identity that helped shape her.
Her journey was not without fear or difficult experiences.
But those challenges did not become the ending of her story.
Instead, Mela continued moving forward, found greater confidence in herself and eventually reached platforms where she could help other people feel seen.
Her story offers a simple positive message: understanding yourself can take time, and the person you eventually become can accomplish things you once thought were impossible.
Watch Mela tell part of that journey in her own words in the ABS-CBN News video below.