How Cela Maresh Turned Grief Into Global Impact

Marcela Bello Arcuna Maresh—known to the world as Cela Maresh—was born and raised in the serene village of Koronadal City, Philippines. With roots in two of the country’s rich indigenous cultures—her mother Armenia Bello Arcuna from the Teduray tribe and her father Jesus Arcuna from the Ilonggo tribe—Cela grew up deeply connected to tradition, resilience, and community. The fifth of six siblings—Lolita, Joseph, Michael, Jesus Jr., and Alfie—her life story is both inspiring and humbling.

Cela completed her early education at Osita Elementary School and later attended Koronadal National Comprehensive High School (KNCHS). She went on to earn a Bachelor of Secondary Education, majoring in Physics, from Notre Dame of Marbel University.

Tragedy struck early in her life. When Cela was just 12, her father passed away, and her mother fell gravely ill. She and her youngest brother, Alfie (affectionately known as Apol), were separated from their other siblings. At only nine years old, Alfie began working in the local fish market to support their mother and fund Cela’s education. It was his perseverance, sacrifice, and unconditional love that fueled Cela’s determination to succeed and give her family a better life.

Inspired by her brother’s grit, Cela promised herself she would prioritize education, work hard, and never take a single opportunity for granted. She fulfilled her promise—and shortly after graduating, she married the man who would change her life forever: Ronald “Ronnie” Lee Maresh Sr.

It was Ronnie who introduced her to a different definition of success—one not centered on wealth, but on impact. With his encouragement, Cela traveled the world before ever stepping foot in Saudi Arabia, gaining exposure that would later inform her global approach to humanitarian work.

A Mission Rooted in Empowerment

Cela’s journey as a non-profit and social entrepreneur began 24 years ago in the Philippines. Inspired by a dream to uplift others, and supported by Ronnie, she dedicated her life to creating sustainable change. Her mission wasn’t to give handouts but to teach people how to fish—primarily through education and entrepreneurship.

Instead of selling products or services, Cela chose to finance education and help underprivileged individuals start small businesses using her own resources. The results were transformative: families rising from poverty, students earning diplomas, and small businesses thriving.

Beyond education, Cela’s vision extended to environmental sustainability. With Ronnie’s support, she purchased barren lands to be rehabilitated through reforestation. She employed indigenous and marginalized workers to plant trees and care for the land—providing not only livelihoods but homes, rent-free, for those who needed them most.

After Ronnie’s passing, Cela’s mission took on even deeper meaning. Five years ago, she became a mother and expanded her efforts to sponsor children in need—not only in the Philippines but across Africa—offering them access to food, shelter, education, and medical care.

Professional Brilliance Meets Purpose

Today, Cela balances her philanthropic work with a thriving career. She is a Program Development and Evaluation Analyst at Saudi Aramco, the world’s most profitable oil and gas company. Through a company-sponsored MBA program, she earned her Master’s in Business Administration from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST).

Saudi Aramco promotes work-life balance, allowing Cela the time and space to pursue her advocacy. Her role enables her to engage in social impact projects while maintaining her career excellence.

Cela is also a published author, writing under the pen name Amenia Jess. Her book, “Along Came A Soulmate,” is a tribute to love, destiny, and spiritual connection—echoing her own life story.

Crowned with Grace and Impact

Her humanitarian accomplishments are matched only by her elegance and influence in the world of pageantry and media. Her list of accolades includes:

• Panel Speaker, Influential Voices UAE 2024
  
• Mrs. Universe KSA 2023 (Crowned)
  
• Mrs. Advocacy UAE 2023 (Crowned)
  
• Top 25, Mrs. Universe Global 2023
  
• Glamour Women of the Year 2023 – Philanthropy and Humanitarian Advocacy
  

She has also graced the covers of some of the world’s leading magazines:

• Glamour Magazine (2023 & 2024)
  
• GMARO Magazine (2024)
  
• Glam Week London Magazine (2023)
  
• International Business Magazine (2024)
  
• Entrepreneur 40 Under 40
  

Lessons from Loss, Love, and Leadership

Cela has faced and overcome incredible adversity: losing her husband, raising her son as a single parent, and balancing a full-time career while staying true to her humanitarian roots. But through it all, she has shown that with passion and planning, work-life balance is not just possible—it’s powerful.

“I’ve learned that challenges are not stop signs—they’re stepping stones,” she says.

Planting the Seeds for Tomorrow

Looking ahead, Cela plans to expand her child sponsorship program to include more indigenous communities in the Philippines. Her reforestation initiative continues to thrive, and she is committed to planting even more trees, nurturing both the land and the people who care for it.

In every aspect of her life—mother, advocate, leader, author, queen—Cela Maresh proves that greatness is not found in what you have, but in what you give.

Watch her story unfold: Cela Maresh on Dailymotion