Mirjan Hipolito

Now a solo traveler who meticulously chronicles her adventures on Instagram, Mirjan has transformed her passion into a thriving profession as a travel guide, earning widespread acclaim. Her work embodies the spirit of pre-Instagram travel icons like Anthony Bourdain, Andrew Zimmern, Rick Steves, and Samantha Brown, illustrating that the act of discovery remains timeless.

Roots and Resilience

Mirjan Hipolito grew up in Angeles, Pampanga, in a modest household alongside her three siblings. Her father worked as a hospital janitor, while her mother left a stable job in the banking sector to dedicate herself to raising their four children. Despite their limited means, her parents prioritized their children’s basic needs. “My parents had to cut corners here and there growing up. It wasn’t economically comfortable, but I never lacked anything like food and education, and that was always the priority of my parents,” Hipolito reflected.

Among her siblings—a sister and two brothers—Hipolito shares a particularly close relationship with her sister. The passing of her father marked a challenging period for the family. To make ends meet, Hipolito’s mother took on various odd jobs. “I remember one time I saw her scrubbing the feet of a customer. She is doing anything, like whatever job that comes in the door,” Hipolito shared. This resilience inspired the young Hipolito, who began working at the age of 12 as a runway model while also handing out flyers in malls for as little as $10 a day.

A Beauty Queen's Rise

At 17, Hipolito’s life changed dramatically when she joined the Miss Angeles City pageant, becoming the youngest winner in its history. This victory introduced her to a dedicated team of professionals who recognized her potential and prepared her for larger stages such as Binibining Pilipinas and Miss Universe Philippines. Lacking the resources to compete at this level, she relied on her team, known as Galaxy, who funded her transformation from a modest teenager into a polished beauty queen—a modern Cinderella story.

Reflecting on her early years, Hipolito admitted, “I was a very difficult kid. I liked going to my grandparents’ house and spending the entire two months not seeing my parents. So I have always been independent like my father.” Over time, she developed a stronger bond with her mother. “I think I resonate more with my mom because she is a woman who is very tenacious and very fair. But at the same time, she loves to share everything with everyone. And everyone says that I am a generous person,” she shared.

The Significance of Cultural Identity

Even her name carries a story of individuality and depth. Mirjan revealed that her father, an avid reader, was inspired by the Marian apparitions in Medjugorje, Yugoslavia, in 1981. He named her after one of the children, Mirjana Dragicevic, who witnessed the apparitions. “He didn’t want it to be overly girly, but rather unique,” she explained.

One cultural tradition that Hipolito finds particularly meaningful is the self-flagellation practiced in Pampanga during Holy Week—a vivid reenactment of Christ’s suffering through acts of physical penance. “I always look forward to this tradition because my mom is very religious, and I haven’t seen anything like it anywhere else,” she remarked.

Hipolito also shared an anecdote that illustrates the Filipino culture of sharing and inclusivity. During a hiking trip abroad, she offered to pay for a group dinner, but a German participant misinterpreted her gesture as an insult. “Just because you have money doesn’t mean you should do that,” he told her. In response, Hipolito calmly explained that her offer stemmed from her cultural values and was not meant to offend. “Being Filipino, our culture of sharing and making everyone feel like part of a community is very special to me,” she said, underscoring the warmth intrinsic to Filipino identity.

Inspirations and Aspirations

When asked about historical figures who inspire her, Hipolito named Andres Bonifacio, the “Father of the Philippine Revolution” against Spanish colonial rule. “I resonate with him because he came from nothing, but he worked his way up by himself,” she said. “Like him, I want to use my journey and what I have achieved to inspire Filipinos and drive meaningful change in my community and country.” She also cited Queen Rania of Jordan and Lady Gaga as role models for their advocacy and exceptional talent, respectively.

Beauty pageants hold a unique and enduring place in Filipino culture, celebrated as platforms to showcase regional pride. This often transforms into national pride when a Filipino contestant represents the country on the global stage. This collective pride is deeply rooted in Filipino values like Bayanihan (community spirit) and Pakikisama (social harmony). In this context, beauty queens become cultural ambassadors, embodying and promoting these values internationally.

The Role of a Beauty Queen

For Hipolito, the role of a beauty queen extends beyond the stage. “Beauty queens can leverage their advocacies to speak to the masses and inspire collective action on issues close to their hearts. That is exactly what I aimed to do in my two attempts for the Philippines,” she shared. In recent years, the culture of pageantry has evolved, placing greater emphasis on the substance of a candidate’s platform. Hipolito observed that authenticity is essential: “Some candidates, in my experience, invent an advocacy just to say they have one, even if it doesn’t resonate with them.”

For her, advocacy is a deeply personal commitment—a promise to herself, her supporters, and the community that serves as her anchor. When asked about the future of beauty pageants in a digital age dominated by influencers, Hipolito expressed confidence in their continued relevance. “I believe pageants will always have a place,” she said. “While the dynamics have shifted with the rise of influencers, pageants remain a beloved form of entertainment, especially in the Philippines, where millions continue to anticipate these events as a cultural and social phenomenon.”

Career Transitions and Travel Adventures

Before entering the world of pageantry, Hipolito built a career as a flight stewardess from 2017 to 2020, a role she left due to airline layoffs at the onset of the pandemic. Reflecting on that chapter of her life, she remarked, “It was a graceful exit because my greatest fear is takeoff. I was living a dream that didn’t truly resonate with my heart.” Despite the rigorous selection process in the aviation industry, Hipolito found the routine limiting and opportunities for growth minimal. “I started taking online courses, which led me to my next career,” she explained.

In 2021, Hipolito joined the Miss Universe Philippines pageant, proudly representing her hometown. While she did not win the crown, new opportunities emerged later that year. In December 2021, she embarked on a life-changing journey, prioritizing travel after saving up. “One of the things I prioritize when I save up money is to travel,” she shared. Her travels took her to iconic destinations in Europe, including France, Italy, and Germany. “The romantic allure of Paris captivated me with its stunning architecture and the glittering lights of the Eiffel Tower,” she recounted. In Munich, she experienced the festive charm of the Christmas markets, while Italy offered timeless culture. These travels left a lasting impression, becoming a cherished chapter in her life.

Embracing Cultural Differences

Mirjan's travels also brought unexpected experiences, particularly during her visit to Mongolia. She vividly recalled the vast, unspoiled landscapes that offered a glimpse into the nomadic lifestyle. “The food is so different—they use meats like mutton and lamb, which are uncommon in the Philippines,” she noted. In northern Mongolia, where she sought to experience traditional life, Hipolito faced cultural differences that tested her adaptability. One memorable challenge was adjusting to pit latrine toilets, which required squatting over a deep hole. “I didn’t grow up in a very comfortable household, but I always had access to a modern toilet. When I called my mom, I said, ‘I don’t know how to do this,’” she recounted with a laugh.

Over time, Hipolito embraced these challenges and gained a deeper understanding of diverse lifestyles. “As each day passed, I realized that not everyone functions the same way—and that’s okay. It encouraged me to be more open to different ways of living,” she reflected. Her journey taught her to admire the resilience of others without pitying their circumstances. “They don’t have access to water, which made me incredibly grateful for what I have,” she acknowledged. “But it also taught me to respect their way of life rather than feel sorry for them.”

Hipolito highlighted the resourcefulness of the people she encountered, exclaiming, “They are so smart and resourceful in making things work under challenging conditions. That made me love the country even more—it’s so different from anything I’ve experienced before.” This journey left a lasting impact on her outlook, asserting, “It made me a more open and accepting person,” underscoring the importance of stepping into unfamiliar worlds for personal growth and appreciation of human diversity.

Advocacy for Independent Travel

When discussing her advocacy, Hipolito shared, “I am most passionate about helping Filipinos and encouraging them to travel independently.” What began as a modest dream during her backpacking trips to nearby Southeast Asian countries gradually expanded into more adventurous journeys to places like Kazakhstan, Kyrgyztan, and Oman—areas where she rarely encountered fellow Filipinos. “I often wondered, what’s holding them back from traveling on their own?” she reflected.

On her Instagram page, @mirjhipolito, where she has garnered over 17,000 followers, Hipolito documents her travels and offers valuable tips and inspiration. She recounted messages from followers: “You inspired me to do this,” “You encouraged me to travel on my own,” and “It’s not as hard as I thought to travel solo.” However, she emphasizes that solo travel comes with challenges. “Sometimes, you will encounter challenges along the way,” she acknowledged, drawing from her experiences of visiting 17 countries to date.

Independent travel presents unparalleled opportunities to explore the world at one’s own pace, fostering self-reliance and a deeper connection to new cultures. It is a journey of self-discovery, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in their surroundings authentically. Yet, it also involves unique challenges, such as navigating unfamiliar transportation systems and language barriers, requiring adaptability and resourcefulness. For those considering independent travel, it's vital to be mindful of cultural norms in each destination. In some cases, safety concerns may arise, making careful planning essential. Consulting official tourism boards and exploring reputable group tours can provide security and enriching experiences, ensuring travelers to navigate the world with confidence and respect for local customs.