I’m Mirasol Durban Pagulayan, born and raised in Tondo, Manila. I come from a large family—I’m the eldest of 14 siblings—and I’m a proud mother of four sons.
 

My name, Mirasol means “look at the sun,” was inspired by a teleserye my mother loved. To me, it symbolizes hope, light, and resilience.
 

Growing up, my parents worked hard my father was a driver and later became a seaman, while my mother sold street food. As the eldest child, I felt a responsibility to help my family. At 11, I began helping my mom sell food and did everything I could to support my siblings and lighten my parents’ load. Helping others, to me, is a reflection of love, strength, and duty.
 

I moved to the U.S. in 2006 after my ex-husband proposed. Though we later divorced, I later met my fiancé, Michael O’Connell—we’ve been together for 14 years and have two children.
 

I was raised in a family that values compassion and service, and my grandmother taught me the importance of helping others—a lesson that has stayed with me. Family means everything to me, and I’ve worked hard to help bring my parents and siblings to the U.S. I enjoy cooking, dancing, spending time with my kids, and love the colors red, pink, and rose gold. Helping others and staying close to family give my life purpose.
 

As a compassionate and family-oriented person, I aim to use this platform to promote unity, cultural pride, and support for the Filipino-American community in Idaho.