MANILA, Philippines — As reigning Miss Universe Sheynnis Palacios walked across the room, the people inside the venue who saw her for the first time in person, were enamored by her regal beauty and powerful presence.
The model and beauty queen from Nicaragua made sultry poses in front of the cameras before the press event proper began last week at KAO Manila, Newport Mall.
She is currently in the country to carry out duties for the Miss Universe organization activities until today (May 7) as part of her ongoing tour around Asia.
“Mabuhay, Philippines! Mabuhay, Pilipinas! Mahal kita, Pilipinas,” Sheynnis greeted in Filipino and introduced herself in Filipino as well, “Ako si Sheynnis Palacios. Ako (ang inyong) Miss Universe. I love you, Philippines.”
She was grateful for Filipinos’ “amazing” and “humble” welcome for her.
Sheynnis even noted the similarities between Filipino and Spanish (official language of Nicaragua) words, such as, kutsara, tinidor, sapatos, silya and mesa.
While in the Philippines, the 23-year-old Nicaraguan stunner got to try halo-halo, lechon, chicharon, and other Filipino foods that she found “very delicious.”
“Before I arrived here, I heard a lot about the Philippines,” Sheynnis told The STAR when asked about her impression of the Philippines. “And I want to be honest with all of you guys, my perception (about) all of you now is better because you’re amazing people and you make me feel so grateful.”
“So, thank you. You really, really believe in the Miss Universe (organization) and you really, really believe in our platform. And thank you for that because you celebrate my reign as (if) it’s your reign. Thank you for supporting and believing in me. (You showered) me every day with your comments, your reactions and with your love,” she added.
Visiting Asia for the first time made Sheynnis immediately feel at home. She shared, “All of them (Asians) welcomed me like I’m an Asian, too. Thank you for this. I love your relation (among countries). I really respect every (international) relations around the world. It was very important and meaningful to me because I got to see different temples around Asia. So thank you for this journey and thank you for this gift that God (has) given me.”
“Being Miss Universe is more (than) being a queen, it’s more (than) having a crown and a sash. It’s a huge responsibility. And I feel so happy and grateful for that. Thank you, Asia for making me feel like (I’m) home,” she continued.
At the press conference, Sheynnis gladly entertained questions from the press. Here are the excerpts from the event’s question-and-answer segment:
What was your ambition when you were growing up and now that you are the Miss Universe, what do you want to do or become after your reign?
“When I was a child, I remember dancing all the time because I love to dance. I really enjoy (being) on stage and I danced for the various talent shows and in school and even in the university.
“(At the same time), I want something different for my family and I want to work hard for them. My (main) focus was to work hard for my dreams and obviously, to help my people, my family and my country. And now, I’m here. Being Miss Universe (comes with) very big responsibility.
“Most importantly, (I want) to work hard (to build) an amazing legacy for the next Miss Universe because (being) Miss Universe is more than the crown and the sash. So (I want to) work hard for our people and make an impact for the next generation.”
How do you wish to inspire your fans around the world?
“I think that God gave me (this for a) reason. Because I’m real, it’s my essence (and) that was my answer (during) the final competition. Be unique, be real, be you. That’s how you connect with the people.
“That’s what I do. Every single trait that I have is like (just) be Sheynnis (be yourself) and (just) enjoy the beautiful moment that the Miss Universe organization has given me and God has given to me as well.”
What is the most important thing that you’ve accomplished?
“I made it. (It was) the first time that I won because I (broke) barriers. I’m the first lady in Central America (and) I’m the first woman in Nicaragua that won (the Miss Universe title). And it (sends) a huge message to all the girls that want to be part of our platform in the Miss Universe organization.
“Whatever you want to be in your life, you can do that. Your dreams come true when you work hard for them because I (also) did it. And now, I’m here in front all of you as your Miss Universe. Every single woman around the world can do the same and (be) better than me.”
What message would you like to tell your fellow countrymen?
“I love my people and I know that you’re very proud of me. I’m here as a very, very proud Nicaraguan from Central America. It’s a chiquito (tiny) country but with very lovely people… I’m a Nicaraguan woman who represents the many Nicaraguan women around the world.”
How do you want to be remembered as Miss Universe?
“I want to be remembered as the Miss Universe for the people and of the people. And my legacy is the beginning of the new era. We started with a new organization (and it meant) to open (and not to) close barriers around the world.
“It’s the perfect opportunity for us, to all the women to leave a message, to leave a legacy (and) to work for our society. I want to be remembered as the first woman to do something (better for society) because I believe (that as a) woman, we can do better and better work for the world, for us and for our society.”