Miss America to trace RP roots

This year’s Miss America, Angela Perez Baraquio, will visit the Philippines, the home country of her parents, from April 11 to 13. Highlights of her trip include a meeting with President Arroyo and a visit to her paternal grandfather and several relatives whom she has never met.

Baraquio was born and raised in Hawaii where her parents, Claude and Letty, migrated more than 30 years ago. She’s been traveling 20,000 miles a month since she bagged the Miss America crown last October. She has gone to nearly every major city of the United States to discuss character education.

Her trip to the Philippines is supported by Northwest Airlines and the Department of Tourism.

"I’m looking forward to taking in the sights and sounds of Manila and to becoming better acquainted with the culture and the people of my parents’ home country," she said.

Baraquio has a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Hawaii in Maoa. For winning the Miss America title, she received more than $80,000 in scholarship assistance.

As part of her visit to the Philippines, she will make a courtesy call on President Arroyo, go to the White Cross Children’s Home, an orphanage in Manila, and have lunch with tourism officials.

She will also receive a key to the City of Manila from Mayor Lito Atienza and will be feted at a reception to be hosted by the Philippine Tourism Authority.