Actress and singer Ara Mina has officially announced her candidacy for Pasig City Council in District 2 under the ticket of mayoral candidate Sarah Discaya, who is set to challenge incumbent Mayor Vico Sotto in the 2025 elections.
Ara made the announcement on Monday, March 17, during a media event where she confirmed that her political plans have been in the works for months.
The actress revealed that she met Sarah Discaya through the St. Gerrard Construction Charity Foundation, where she has been actively involved in medical missions. During their interactions, Discaya encouraged Ara to consider running for public office, especially upon learning that the actress was originally from Pasig City.
“Hindi naman ako um-oo agad. Alam ni Ate Sarah ‘yun kasi sabi ko magdadasal pa ako, asking for a sign, at kausapin ko pa ang pamilya ko,” she shared. “Mga three months pa bago ako nakabalik sa kanya para mag-decide to run.”
This is not Ara’s first attempt at politics. She previously ran for Quezon City councilor when she was still single but was unsuccessful. This time, she said she is more determined to take on the role.
When asked if she would leave showbiz should she win, Ara clarified that she intends to balance both careers, much like her showbiz ninang, Vilma Santos, who continued acting even while serving as Batangas Governor and Lipa Representative. She emphasized that modern filmmaking is now more efficient, allowing actors to complete projects in a shorter time.
Ara shared that one of her primary platforms is supporting persons with disabilities (PWDs), inspired by her special needs sister, Nina.
“Number one sa amin ni Ate Sarah ang PWD dahil sa mga anak niya at ako naman dahil kay Nina. Kaya ako nagkaroon ng foundation at advocacy, dahil kay Batsing [Nina],” she said.
Discaya also noted that many of her children have been diagnosed with ADHD, making PWD support a personal advocacy for both of them.
Ara’s husband, Dave Almarinez, is also running in the 2025 elections as a nominee for Turismo Party-list, alongside former Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo.
Meanwhile, Miss Universe 2011 3rd Runner-Up Shamcey Supsup-Lee is also joining Team Kaya, Discaya’s official slate for the Pasig City elections.
With a mix of celebrity figures and professionals in her team, Discaya’s lineup is expected to present a formidable challenge to Mayor Vico Sotto’s administration.
Ara proudly shared that she was born and raised in Santolan, Pasig, where she also studied elementary at Alice in Wonderland School.
Her mother, Francis Marie Klenk, known as Venus Imperial, was Mutya ng Pasig 1967 and the first-ever Eskinol Girl before pursuing a showbiz career.
