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Miss Universe Paraguay Gretha Matiauda

Jude Cartalaba

<p>Beauty pageants, particularly in a pageant-crazy nation like the Philippines, are often viewed through a lens of glittering evening gowns and perfectly rehearsed smiles. Yet, every so often, a queen emerges who shifts the paradigm from superficial glamour to systemic change. </p><p>Enter Gretha Matiauda.</p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1779839895290a367fbb4-70d1-4efa-80e9-3878aea4d45b.jpg" style="width:655px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>Last month, the official Miss Universe Paraguay representative for the pageant’s historic 75th edition held her first-ever Asian press conference in San Juan City. The milestone event was mounted in collaboration with the House of Yugen, spearheaded by Josh Yugen, the national director and Miss Universe franchise owner for multiple territories.</p><p>Matiauda is more than a distinguished beauty queen; she is an emerging global ambassador of empowerment and cultural pride. On and off the stage, she commands attention with a potent blend of elegance, intelligence, and a razor-sharp presence.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1779839785335721ed015-a000-4889-9a5c-13231c98f9b3.jpg" style="width:655px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-dragging"/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Blueprint for empowerment</strong></div><p>During an exclusive interview, the Paraguayan beauty queen was asked a hypothetical question about entering public office to advance her humanitarian work: what would be her first priority?</p><p>She responded without hesitation, pointing to education as a key national concern.</p><p>“Education in Paraguay faces severe challenges,” Matiauda said. “I would prioritize quality education.”</p><p>It is a mission born out of stark reality. Matiauda is deeply invested in elevating her homeland’s academic standing, given that Paraguay currently ranks among the lowest in Latin America for quality and academic performance. Compounding the issue is a persistent &quot;brain drain&quot; afflicting the nation&#x27;s tertiary education system, in which local universities suffer from a severe lack of regional recognition and funding.</p><p>&quot;Sadly, many of our country&#x27;s brightest students go abroad to pursue higher education, and more often than not, they won’t come back,&quot; she lamented. &quot;I want to work with organizations like UNICEF and local groups who partner with the Ministry of Education and Sciences (MEC) to reverse this trend.&quot;</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17798398266316017ced9-0649-4239-8b6d-ebf59019bf1d.jpg" style="width:655px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Dismantling patriarchal frontlines</strong></div><p>Beyond the classroom, Matiauda’s vision for a progressive Paraguay extends into institutional reform. She is vocal about tackling the deep-rooted patriarchal norms and conservative political influences that currently stifle her country.</p><p>&quot;Another thing I would want to focus on is gender inclusivity,&quot; Matiauda asserted. &quot;I would like to help facilitate more representation for this sector.&quot;</p><p>To transform these words into a tangible reality, the reigning titleholder aggressively leverages her global platform. She actively engages in international and local media appearances, high-profile brand endorsements, public speaking engagements, and grassroots community outreach initiatives.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177983991212239ad7b41-fe8d-49ca-9165-6d1e123241f2.jpg" style="width:655px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><p>Matiauda embodies the rich culture, resilience, and unyielding spirit of the Paraguayan people. Her journey to the crown has been meticulously chiseled by discipline, fierce determination, and a relentless commitment to leadership.</p><p>Because pageant competition is highly competitive, she was asked whether failing to make the initial cut on coronation night would make her feel her efforts had been wasted.</p><p>Matiauda rejected the idea, saying a queen’s value goes beyond winning alone.</p><p>&quot;A queen isn’t defined by winning alone,&quot; Matiauda concluded. &quot;She is defined by her actions, her contributions to society as a beauty queen, and her role as a spokesperson for positive change — both in her country and in the world.&quot;</p>

<p>Gretha Matiauda is more than a distinguished beauty queen; she is an emerging global ambassador of empowerment and cultural pride.</p>

Gretha Matiauda is more than a distinguished beauty queen; she is an emerging global ambassador of empowerment and cultural pride.

Miss Universe Paraguay Gretha Matiauda redefines the beauty queen blueprint

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Miss Universe Paraguay Gretha Matiauda redefines the beauty queen blueprint

Jude Cartalaba

Published May 27, 2026 03:40 PM PHT

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Miss Universe

Gretha Matiauda

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