Aileen “Lucky Neelia” Carandang is a renowned advanced nurse practitioner and caseload manager serving London’s National Health Service in Newham borough and Chelsea and Kensington Borough in the UK. As a vital part of the Rapid Response Team and Starlane Surgery in Newnham’s London Borough, Aileen collaborates closely with General Practitioners and the London Ambulance Service, ensuring the highest standard of patient care.

Photgrapher: Thirdy Ado

Known affectionately by her colleagues and friends as “Lucky Neelia,” a name symbolizing positivity and wisdom, Aileen has made significant strides in her professional and personal life. Her journey is marked by determination and gratitude, which have led her to numerous accolades, including

• Mrs. Philippines United Kingdom, 2018;

  
  

• Respect Noble Queen of the Universe, UK, First Generation, 2019

  
  

• Ambassador of Integrity, 2019-2020;

  
  

• Faces of Success, 2018;

  
  

• People’s Choice Award UK, 2019-2020;

  
  

• Inspiring Woman of the Year, 2019;

  
  

• World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA) Multi Silver Medallist, 2019;

  
  

• World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA) Bronze Medallist, 2019;

  
  

• Outstanding Woman of the Year, 2019;

  
  

• Wages Princes Charity Award, 2019

  
  

• Flames Best in Modeling 2020

  
  

• Viral Awards UK Front liner Woman of Excellence 2022

  
  

• Women of Heart Awards “Distinct Honors 2022”

  
  

• Women of Heart Awards Excellence in Charity 2023

  
  

• A woman who supports women in authenticity and with Love Award 2023

  
  

• Exponential Empowerment Forum Co-Founder, 2020 - Present

  
  

• House of Ikons UK International Fashion Model, 2019- Present

  
  

• Act of Care Founder since 2017

  
  

These titles reflect her unwavering advocacy for the welfare of children, young people, and women.

Living and working in a foreign country presented unique challenges that significantly shaped Aileen’s character. Immersing herself in British culture and values, she became flexible and resilient. Professionally, Aileen emphasizes open communication and respect within her team and practices empathy with her patients, which has become a cornerstone of her daily interactions.

Photgrapher: Thirdy Ado

Upon migrating to the UK with her husband and daughter, Aileen faced numerous adversities, including adjusting to a new life and dealing with her husband’s difficult personality. Choosing self-respect and psychological well-being over a tumultuous relationship, Aileen embarked on a journey of self-empowerment. Engaging in charity work, pageantry, and modeling helped her regain confidence and provide a platform to empower other women. These experiences have fortified her resilience, transforming challenges into stepping stones for personal growth.

Aileen’s mission is to empower women to live free from discrimination, embracing wisdom and healthy choices. Overcoming devaluation and hardships through self-determination and skill enhancement has led her to financial literacy and goal-oriented living. Her story is a testament to the belief that happiness is a choice and that sharing her journey can inspire others.

Role models and supporters have been pivotal in Aileen’s journey. Her parents, especially her mother and her children, haven't been her primary sources of strength and inspiration. Their wisdom and the memories they share fuel her daily motivation. Above all, Aileen trusts in God’s divine guidance, viewing Him as the epitome of love and righteousness.

Balancing work and personal life is crucial to Aileen. She enjoys dancing to stay fit and maintains strong social connections with friends and family despite the pandemic's restrictions. Quality time with her children is a source of chronic happiness, and she prioritizes guiding them to reach their full potential.

Aside from being an advanced nurse practitioner in the UK, she also extends her service by building a birthing place for women who can not afford a decent and safe delivery in Masbate. Also, provide good pre - and post natal checkups for babies. Provide basic needs to calamity victims in the Philippines and collaborated medical missions to provide health support to those in need medically. Sponsored less fortunate children’s education and supported a student who is now a successful nurse, engineer, and architect. As co-founder of the Exponential Empowerment Forum, She also advocates for women and gender equality through various programs, addressing issues amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic through various programs and webinars

Raised in a Catholic Christian family in Masbate, Philippines, by Dra. Rebecca Carandang and Antonio Carandang. Aileen learned the core values of sincerity, self-respect, determination, and love for God. She has instilled these values in her two children, whom she has raised independently.

Throughout her life, Aileen’s strong personality has remained constant, while her perspectives on healthy living and relationships have evolved. She maintains a sense of decency and fashion, always dressing appropriately for every occasion.

Currently, her children and professional career are her top priorities. Aileen finds immense contentment in seeing her children grow into empowered individuals and achieving financial stability through her career, which allows her to sustain a better life.

Aileen’s dreams have evolved, now including becoming a general practitioner in London. As an advanced nurse practitioner who just finished several courses to continue to empower herself intellectually. Her vision extends to humanitarian endeavors, driven by personal transformation and the desire to inspire others.

Looking ahead, Aileen envisions herself as an accomplished medical professional and a proud mother of two responsible children. She dreams of establishing a tertiary hospital in Masbate, Philippines, and becoming a public speaker and leader, empowering others through continuous learning and perseverance.

Aileen’s message to others is one of hope and empowerment: “Continue to love yourself no matter what adversities you face. Be a beacon of hope and empower others. Life begins with a dream that requires courage and determination to achieve. Use your time and energy wisely, and seize every opportunity to realize your potential.”

Photgrapher: Thirdy Ado

In summary, Aileen “Lucky” Carandang’s life is a testament to the power of self-empowerment, resilience, and the importance of balancing personal and professional growth. Her journey continues to inspire and empower those around her, embodying the essence of a true leader and advocate for women’s empowerment.

What have you accomplished in your professional career?

When did you start modeling and the joy of being in the spotlight?

Share a bit of your pageant journey and how it changed your perspective in life.

Photgrapher: Thirdy Ado

Your achievements.

Your empowering advice to women.

What else do you want to achieve in the future?

Tips to aspiring models and aspiring beauty queens.

Photography by Thirdy Ado

HMU: Jezzel Carino / London Glamour Studio

Gown: Korn Taylor

Venue: Sunborn Yatch Hotel