Flonique Guimary

How has life been for Mela Habijan after moving to Spain

Article (news)

Nikka Avegail Sabio

Push Team

<p>Moving to Spain, a country with laws that recognize and protect the LGBTQIA+ community, has given <em>Sparks Camp</em> host Mela Habijan a different perspective on what is possible for her as a trans woman.</p><div> </div><p>In an interview with <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>PUSH ABS-CBN</strong></a>, Mela reflected on her life in Madrid, where she said she has experienced protections and recognition that she has long hoped to see in the Philippines.</p><div> </div><p>“Life is lifeing. There are definitely ups and downs but moving to Madrid allowed me to see what possibilities there are outside of the Philippines,” she said.</p><div> </div><div><br/></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-16" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DTgXIHYjK6C/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=642&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A16%2C%22os%22%3A25027863.5%2C%22ls%22%3A5691402.200000048%2C%22le%22%3A5691681.100000143%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="966" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-16" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:658px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><strong> </strong></div><p>“One important possibility that was given to me was to be able to live in a society with laws that protect me. The SOGIE Equality law that we have been fighting for in the Philippines, Spain has it,” she added.</p><div> </div><p>Mela shared how Spain&#x27;s laws have allowed her to live more freely while recognizing her rights as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.</p><div> </div><p>“They have a comprehensive anti-discrimination law that protects all people from marginalized communities, especially queer communities. Marriage equality law? (Spain) was the third country in the world to legislate marriage equality. There’s gender recognition law (also),” she shared.</p><div> </div><p>One development she is particularly looking forward to is being able to change her name on her identification documents.</p><div> </div><p>“I’m excited to actually learn the process of changing my name and my identification because a new law has been passed by the first trans senator. She was the first one who initiated it in which we, migrants, who are still not citizens of Spain, can change our names already,” she said.</p><div> </div><p>“I’m excited that hopefully this year, I can now see my name ‘Malaya Erika’ on my identification card,” Mela added.</p><div> </div><div><br/></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-17" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/Da24CDwjCAz/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=642&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A17%2C%22os%22%3A25027870.30000019%2C%22ls%22%3A5691402.200000048%2C%22le%22%3A5691681.100000143%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="966" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-17" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:658px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><strong> </strong></div><p>For Mela, the experience goes beyond simply having legal protection, saying: “There’s a law specific to trans people so I feel like Spain allowed me to become more (of myself) because it is not just protects me but also recognizes and celebrates me as I am.”</p><div> </div><p>Despite building a life abroad, Mela remains connected to her Filipino roots and hopes her experience can show Filipinos how laws can affect the lives of marginalized communities.</p><div> </div><p>“Of course, I will never forget my Filipino roots and my Filipino spirit. That’s why I’m telling this to Filipino people, na it is possible and this is what laws are transforming. They’re transforming lives, opportunities. They are transforming cultures and societies,” she explained. “It is something that I am really proud of: telling the story of how it’s like to live in Spain as a trans immigrant.”</p><div> </div><p>Life in Spain, however, also comes with its own challenges. Mela admitted that she continues to miss her family in the Philippines, but said the possibilities ahead make the move worthwhile.</p><div> </div><p>“Definitely, highs and lows are present. There are moments when I miss my family but at the same time, the dream is big,” she said.</p><div> </div><p>She went on: “I am now in the space in which I can reach for the stars even more and if that happens, definitely I will be raising three flags - the Philippine flag, the Spanish flag and the queer flag. It’s something that I look forward to.”</p><div> </div><div><br/></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-18" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DadNw6YjDP0/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=642&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A18%2C%22os%22%3A25027880.100000143%2C%22ls%22%3A5691402.200000048%2C%22le%22%3A5691681.100000143%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="966" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-18" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:658px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><strong> </strong></div><p>As she continues building her life in Spain, Mela is also preparing to share more of her experience as a trans immigrant on her podcast even while continuing her role as ‘Mother Sparker’ in <em>Sparks Camp Season 4</em>.</p><div> </div><p>“Now, I’m starting my podcast, <em>The M-Power Podcast</em>. I will also be telling my story of what it’s like to live as a trans immigrant to a country that recognizes me. It&#x27;s really an exciting time,” she said. “And I look forward to being the next Oprah. That’s the dream.”</p>

<p><b>Mela Habaijan shares what makes her excited for her life as a trans woman living in Spain</b></p>

Mela Habaijan shares what makes her excited for her life as a trans woman living in Spain

EXCLUSIVE: How has life been for Mela Habijan after moving to Spain?

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Celebrities

EXCLUSIVE: How has life been for Mela Habijan after moving to Spain?

Nikka Sabio,

Push Team

Published September 02, 2026 04:24 PM PHT

Read More:

Mela Habijan

Sparks Camp 4

Sparks Camp

PUSH

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

Haven't received our newsletter?

Check your inbox to verify and confirm your subscription. If you don’t see it, please check your spam or junk folder.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.