Mariel de Leon promotes self-love by sharing body positivity message

Mariel de Leon promotes body positivity as a way to encourage everyone to be confident in their own skin.

The Miss International 2017 contender shared her message by uploading a photo of herself which she reckoned people would refer to as unflattering. However, she described that it doesn’t shake her self-confidence anymore as she has grown comfortable in her own skin. She said, “I know I look unflattering in that photo. But you know what? I don’t care. I am proud of the woman I am today and nothing will ever shake my confidence and my love for myself."

She added that she's also a victim of the standards of society and only wish that people would learn to stray away from it. "I know how it feels. I’ve been a victim of body shaming and bullying. It does take time to learn to love yourself but you’ll get there one day. Trust me. It took time for me but I learned to truly love myself, be happy, and not give a damn about what other people think of me.” 

Mariel encourages everyone to never be ashamed of our bodies and always follow your bliss no matter what the society dictates. 

“Ladies (and gents), it’s time we love ourselves for who we truly are. Never be ashamed of yourself. Never be ashamed of what or who makes you happy. It’s time to show the media and everyone else that we won’t be swayed by their standards and the crazy standards set by society. No matter what color, race, religion, shape, or size. Love yourself, queen.”