By Barry Villamil
It was an honor Wednesday night to meet newly crowned 2023 Mrs. Universe Meranie Gadiana Rahman at the annual Pearl City Foundation Halloween Bash held at the Momilani Community Center in Pearl City. Meranie was with her husband Dr. Rahman, and their son who was visiting the Trick or Treat booths stationed around the Momilan Community Center lawn.
I was introduced to Meranie and her family by fellow Mana Loa Nimitz Lions Club member Alan Miyamoto. Mana Loa Nimitz Lions Club members volunteered their time at the Halloween Bash to help set-up and break down the event and pass out candy and treats to the hundreds of keiki Trick or Treaters. I was lucky to serve as one of three costume contest judges with the task of choosing the top three costume contest entries in several age and themed categories. It wasn’t easy, the costumes were all amazing.
I had a great opportunity to spend some time interviewing Meranie about her experiences and challenges while running and winning Hawaii, USA, and Mrs. Universe titles and her responsibilities and message as she travels the world during her Mrs. Unicerse reign in the next 12 months.
Meranie ran and won each title based on her platform of identifying and brining awareness to the problem of Bullying and its effect on our youth. As Mrs. Universe, Meranie will have a very positive and life changing opportunity to spread her anti-bullying message to thousands of people from many different cultures as she travels and shares her motivation and inspiration around the world with open arms as a compassionate, intelligent, caring, and beautiful soul filled with the spirit of Aloha.
I was excited to hear from Lion Alan that Meranie and Dr. Rahman may soon be joining the Mana Loa Nimitz Lions Club. They will be welcomed and appreciated from day one as active members of the Mana Loa Nimitz Lions Club and Lions International.
Have a great weekend!
Lion Barry
Video and Photo by Barry Villamil
