The influencer and candidate for Miss Universe Cuba 2026 Daniela Reyes posted a reel on Instagram in which she shared a message aimed at the new generations about authenticity and the dangers of digital filter culture, garnering thousands of likes and hundreds of comments.
In the video, the Cuban content creator based in Miami reflects on the psychological impact of social media on young people and draws a parallel with her own life story, from her artistic roots in Cuba to her career as an actress, presenter, and digital figure.
"From a very young age, I understood that art can transform lives. My mother, being a classical ballet dancer, has always been an inspiration to me, and since I was a child, she instilled in me that on stage, it’s not about who receives the applause, but about who inspires others," Daniela stated in the reel.
That philosophy, as he explained, guided every stage of his career until he reached digital platforms, where today he has more than one million followers on Instagram.
The core of the message directly addresses the pressure that social media exerts on the identity of young people: "We live in a generation that compares its life to perfect images, to filters, to numbers, and to the approval of strangers."
“Social media is not real life; it is a powerful platform to showcase your talent, create opportunities, and build dreams, but it should never define our identity,” he added.
Daniela also proclaimed her Cuban heritage as a central part of her proposal for the contest: "Today I represent Cuba, a land of artists, of resilient people who have learned to turn adversity into hope. I carry with me that strength, that creativity, and the conviction that authenticity will always hold more value than perfection."
"If I want to leave a legacy to the universe, it is for every young person to remember that they don't need a filter to be the best version of themselves. Because when you discover who you are and use your voice, the real impact transcends any screen," concluded Daniela in the video.
The candidate number 20 of the pageant is currently the undisputed favorite of Miss Universe Cuba according to the Missosology Cuba ranking, where she leads with 16,600 interactions, more than double that of the second contender, Mia Dio, who has 6,500.
Born in Cuba, Daniela learned English completely on her own on the island, watching videos and practicing without formal classes, a skill that has stood out during the competition process.
The reel is tagged with the accounts of @missuniversecuba and @lusmairynfiguera, the Venezuelan trainer of the pageant with 18 years of experience in media, responsible for the training of the 22 selected contestants chosen from over 100 participants in the live casting held last April in Miami.
The final of Miss Universe Cuba 2026 is scheduled for August 12 in Miami, and the winner will represent Cuba at the international competition in November at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
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