Empowering Mental Health Awareness

Lina Gabbaoan, a multifaceted woman of resilience and determination, has lived a life shaped by personal experiences, triumphs, and a deep commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. As the Founder and Chairwoman of Celestial Universe International Pageant, Soulful Phoenix Podcast and the MaxaM Foundation, Lina has transformed her personal challenges into a mission to advocate for mental health awareness, empower women, and inspire communities.

A Journey Through Postpartum Depression

In 2012, Lina experienced mild postpartum depression following a traumatic childbirth. Negligence at the hospital during her labor left her and her sister alone in a critical moment. The aftermath of this experience, compounded by sleepless nights caring for her newborn and a two-year-old, pushed Lina into a challenging period.

With the unwavering support of her parents, who helped her care for her children, Lina gradually overcame the effects of postpartum depression. This experience ignited her understanding of the importance of family support and the need to address mental health challenges, particularly for mothers.

Surviving Major Depression and Domestic Abuse

Three years later, Lina faced a different battle. After moving to the Netherlands in 2013 with her children, she developed major depression. The emotional trauma of an abusive relationship and the isolation she felt in a foreign country took a toll on her mental health. Lina experienced anxiety attacks, panic, and a deep sense of helplessness.

Determined to reclaim her life, Lina ended the toxic relationship and sought professional help. Over the course of a year, she underwent psychotherapy and physical therapy, which provided her with tools to rebuild her self-esteem and emotional well-being. Through therapy, Lina learned to set boundaries, assert herself, and prioritize her mental health. These milestones marked a turning point in her journey toward healing.

A Purposeful Path to Advocacy

Lina’s personal battles with postpartum and major depression inspired her to pursue a degree in Health Science, majoring in Psychology. She recognized the power of education in addressing mental health issues and sought to empower others through her advocacy. As an entrepreneur, beauty queen, and community leader, Lina integrates her experiences into initiatives that amplify mental health awareness.

Her platform, Celestial Universe Internation Pageant, is not only a celebration of empowerment and beauty but also a means to advocate for mental health, self-love, and resilience. Through pageantry, Lina inspires women to embrace their individuality, overcome challenges, and use their voices to make a difference.

Turning Pain into Purpose

Lina's advocacy is deeply rooted in her lived experiences, particularly her journey as a survivor of relationship abuse. This personal history has fueled her passion for helping others navigate the complexities of mental health. By sharing her story, she hopes to destigmatize conversations around mental health and encourage others to seek support when needed.

Her foundation, MaxaM, extends this advocacy by providing educational opportunities and resources for underserved communities in the Philippines, especially to the children. Lina’s vision is to create a ripple effect of empowerment—where individuals are not only supported in their immediate needs but are also inspired to contribute to their communities in meaningful ways.

Leadership and Resilience in Action

Lina’s journey has been marked by significant challenges, including the loss of loved ones, most notably her father. Yet she has channeled her pain into motivation to pursue her dreams and carry on her father’s legacy of helping others. Whether through her restaurant, Kubjertos Filipino Moderno, her podcast, Soulful Phonenix, or her international beauty pageant, Celestial Universe International Pageant, Lina continues to demonstrate that purpose-driven initiatives can create lasting change.

Advocating for Mental Health Awareness

Lina’s story underscores the importance of acknowledging and addressing mental health issues. Her experiences serve as a testament to the power of resilience, the impact of seeking help, and the transformative potential of turning personal pain into a purposeful mission.

Through her work, Lina aims to create safe spaces for dialogue, support systems for those in need, and opportunities for individuals to reclaim their lives. She reminds us that mental health awareness is not just about overcoming struggles—it’s about thriving, growing, and inspiring others to do the same.

In Lina’s words, “Life is short, and we believe in living with a purpose to serve others. It’s not about how much material wealth we accumulate, but about how fulfilled we feel with how we lived our lives.”

Lina Gabbaoan’s journey is a beacon of hope, resilience, and empowerment, inspiring countless individuals to prioritize their mental well-being and embrace a life of purpose and service.