Actress and entrepreneur Ara Mina is ready to take on a new role—this time, in public service.
The showbiz veteran has officially announced her candidacy as councilor for Pasig City’s 2nd district in the upcoming 2025 midterm elections. However, before making her final decision, Ara took three months to reflect, pray, and seek a sign before fully committing to the political race.
In a gathering with members of the entertainment press, Ara shared how she was personally invited by mayoral candidate Sarah Discaya to be part of her team. The two first met during a medical mission organized by Discaya’s St. Gerrard Construction Charity Foundation, where they bonded over their shared passion for helping others.
“Hindi naman ako um-oo agad,” Ara admitted. “Alam ni Ate Sarah ‘yun. Sabi ko, magdadasal pa ako, asking for a sign, kausapin ko pa ang pamilya ko. So, mga three months akong nagdasal bago ako nakabalik sa kanya para mag-decide to run.”
Her family’s approval played a crucial role in her final decision, as well as her firm belief that entering politics would allow her to extend her long-time advocacy of helping those in need.
While Ara is fully committed to serving the public if she wins, she emphasized that she won’t entirely turn her back on her showbiz career. Drawing inspiration from her idol and Ninang, Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos-Recto, she sees a future where she can balance both public service and acting.
“Ang showbiz nandiyan ‘yan, hindi mawawala ‘yan. Siyempre, magpo-focus tayo dito (politics), pero tulad nga ng sinabi ko, meron pa kasi akong movie na hindi natapos at tatapusin after election.”
She also pointed out how film productions today are much faster compared to before, making it possible for her to still take on occasional roles when time permits.
“Parang si Ninang Vilma, ‘di ba? Nakakagawa rin siya ng movie once in a while kahit nakaupo siya, pero naka-focus siya sa public service. So, siguro gano’n. We’ll never know… bahala na si Lord, pero magpo-focus ako sa public service kapag tayo’y nanalo.”
As Ara aligns herself with Sarah Discaya, who is running against Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, she was asked whether she feared any tension with Bossing Vic Sotto.
“Knowing Bossing, matalinong tao si Bossing. Hindi para magkaroon ng gano’ng problema,” Ara confidently responded. “May kanya-kanya naman tayong preference, may kanya-kanya tayong journey. So, I don’t think na sasama ang loob ni Bossing sa gano’n.”
Ara, whose roots trace back to Pasig City, revealed that her mother was once crowned ‘Mutya ng Pasig’, making her deeply connected to the city. She grew up in Santolan, Pasig, where her family’s ancestral home still stands.
“Pasiguena ako, dito ako lumaki. Mahal ko ang Pasig, kaya gusto kong mas makatulong sa mga kababayan ko.”
With her family background in politics (her father’s side includes former Quezon City congressman Chuck Mathay) and her track record of philanthropy, Ara believes she is ready to serve on a larger scale.
If elected, Ara hopes to champion causes related to health services, social welfare, and women’s empowerment.
“Kung dati natutulungan ko ang ibang tao sa sarili kong paraan, ngayon mas magiging madali kung nasa gobyerno na tayo.”
With her heart set on service, Ara Mina is stepping into politics not just as an actress but as a true public servant. Her decision to run was not made lightly, as she took the time to reflect, seek guidance, and ensure that this was a path she was meant to take.
