Ayn Bernos talks about weight gain post-Miss Universe Philippines: 'I’m so much happier'

Tiktok sensation and Miss Universe Philippines 2021 contestant Rousanne “Ayn” Bernos took to TikTok to answer some netizens’ questions about her weight gain after competing in Miss Universe Philippines (MUP) last year.

In a video posted on Tuesday, Ayn said that she had gained over 20 pounds since the pageant. She also showed before and after photos of her during MUP and when she was vacationing in Italy earlier this year.

“Malaki yung difference niya, but at the same time, I’m so much happier [now],” she said.

@aynbernos Replying to @Mansanas ? original sound - Ayn Bernos

Ayn revealed that she used to be conscious of her body during the competition even though she reached her goal weight at that time.

“As much as possible, I really try not to focus on [the physique] and not compare myself to other girls, but the thing is, hindi mo maiwasan if taller and naturally skinny women surround you, mapapaisip ka, ‘oh my gosh, malaki ba ako?’” she said.

With her current weight right now, Ayn admitted that she’s not actively trying to lose weight just for the sake of it.

“I don’t want it to come from a mindset na medyo skewed yung perception ko of what is healthy and what isn’t,” she said.

“So, ngayon ang ginagawa ko lang, I’m actively trying to be active again,” she added.

Whether or not she will lose weight in the future, Ayn said it’s not her ultimate goal.

“Kung pumayat ako, great, that's just the byproduct, pero hindi ‘yun yung goal ko. What I really wanna do is to have a good routine, a sustainable routine,” she said.

For the TikTok star, what’s important is a clear intention of what she wants to achieve: to develop good habits and healthy relationships with food and fitness.

“Inayos ko muna yung intention ko before started doing any fitness related [activities] again kasi ang hirap talaga if skewed ‘yung intention,” she said.

This isn’t the first time Ayn spoke about body positivity. In September 2021, she said she joined MUP not because she thinks she’s the “beauty standard” but because representation matters, referencing her short stature.

Ayn finished in the top 16 of Miss Universe Philippines 2021. —Hermes Tunac/JCB, GMA Integrated News