Dalia Varde Khattab’s self-care combines physical health and mental resilience
Binibining Pilipinas 2025 first runner-up Dalia Varde Khattab exudes sophisticated beauty, which is evident in her mixed Egyptian and Filipino blood. What’s more amazing, though, than her outer beauty are her amazing insights at the young age of 21.
Born and raised in Kuwait, she decided to stay here in the country when she was 14 years old to pursue a career as a young actress. She is best known for her role in the hit series He’s Into Her which eventually became a movie.
Her social media platforms deliberately communicate her mission as a public persona: “Sharing my world of lifestyle, luxury, and love—from everyday elegance to my journey in business, pageantry, and beyond. Expect moments of beauty, empowerment, and a little sparkle in everything I do.”
This promise is consistently reinforced in every post and strategic collaboration. She seems to be genuine in her approach not only to visually please but also to inspire and uplift. Her association with the Wellness Whispers brand of Dani Barretto makes her a direct wellness advocate, validating her genuine commitment to a healthy lifestyle.
While many are initially captivated by her outward allure, once drawn, they realize that her true message is grounded in resilience, financial prudence, and authentic self-acceptance.
A family vacation in the Philippines became a life-changing pivot point. Convinced by her manager to take the opportunities offered, she stayed. She enrolled in a new school the very next day, and braced herself for a vast change in cultural norms and language. It was like building a new life from the ground up.
In an Instagram caption, she said, “The darkest times may give you the most clarity, don’t stop believing.” Having navigated the “dark times” of cultural dislocation, loneliness, and career uncertainty—especially during the pandemic when there was hardly any work—she learned to metabolize adversity into wisdom. Her life story from age 14 is a powerful demonstration of not only enduring stress but using it as a catalyst for growth.
Her philosophy of self-care combines physical health, mental resilience, social connection, and emotional authenticity. While she demonstrates a clear commitment to physical fitness, sharing workout tips on her social media platforms, she consistently stresses that the physical is just one component of a much larger picture.
The Binibining Pilipinas 2025 pageant is a milestone for Dalia’s wellness journey. It was more than a competition. Every facet of her mindset—her resilience, pragmatism, and authenticity—was tested under the national spotlight. She entered the competition with candid vulnerability. She described herself as a “first-timer, uncertain, unpolished, but full of heart.”
The personal challenge of joining a major pageant was transformative. It provided her discipline and maturity. She openly admitted the immense strain, posting she “was exhausted, really, and I thought I couldn’t do it anymore.”
Dalia was frustrated being typecast in “mean girl roles,” such as Kimeniah in He’s Into Her. “I want people to connect with me. I want to connect with everyone and show them that you can grow,” she posted. The pageant, therefore, was a platform to demonstrate a more authentic version of herself to a public that primarily knew her through a fictional character.
In a post-Bb Pilipinas post, she thanked her family, coaches, fans, and the organization, then said in self-acknowledgment: “And to myself— thank you. For choosing grace when things got heavy. For doing your best with what you had. For staying kind, focused, and honest even when no one was watching. You didn’t need to be perfect to be proud of how far you’ve come. And today, I am.”
Her final statement is not merely a reaction to placing first runner-up in her first-ever beauty pageant. It is when her grace and internal beauty became visible. This represents a paradigm shift from wellness as a set of external practices to wellness as the cultivation of a healthy, compassionate, and validating relationship with oneself.
THE PHILIPPINE STAR: How long did you train and prepare for the competition?
DALIA VARDE KHATTAB: I trained for several months, but in many ways, I had been preparing for this moment my whole life—from my work as an actress to my journey as a businesswoman. Binibini simply brought all those pieces together with purpose.
What has your diet or meal plan been for the last three months?
I followed a balanced, anti-inflammatory meal plan: lots of greens, lean proteins, hydration, and collagen-based supplements. I avoided processed sugar, but I always left room for joy—even in food.
What exercises did you regularly do before the competition?
My routine was a mix of strength training (especially for glutes and back), Pilates for posture and core, and daily stretches to maintain flexibility and grace. On busy days, I snuck in short elliptical sessions for cardio.
How did you prepare mentally and emotionally?
I prayed a lot, journaled every morning, and surrounded myself with people who made me feel safe and supported. I also practiced detachment—learning to give my best without letting the outcome define my worth.
What are your top three tips to the young ladies who want to win in a beauty pageant?
1) Know your “why.” Purpose is more powerful than pressure. 2) Train your mind as much as your walk. Confidence starts within. 3) Be kind to others and to yourself. The journey is tough, but kindness keeps you beautiful through it all.
