Miss U bets join Smile Train

MANILA, Philippines - Candidates of the 65th Miss Universe pageant met with cleft patients yesterday, urging them to believe in themselves and follow their dreams “despite their limitations.”

Mexico’s Kristal Silva and Haiti’s Raquel Pelissier turned emotional as they listened to the stories of young cleft patients of Smile Train – the world’s leading cleft charity – and narrated how they also tried to overcome their insecurities during an empowerment workshop at the Conrad Hotel in Pasay City.

“People think we are perfect. But when I was a child I was not confident with myself, with my appearance because I want to be perfect,” Silva said.

“In our society we need to have good appearance to be accepted. But it doesn’t matter. We can continue with our lives. Let’s put our insecurities behind us. Whatever you want, do it despite limitations,” she said.

Pelissier, for her part, narrated how she felt insecure while growing up.

“I really have to overcome it. I know what you’ve been through because I felt the same way. I’m here today because I’m living my own dream. Leave the past behind, if you have dreams, fight for it. I feel better to see you smile after what you have been through,” she said.

Smile Train patient 19-year-old Cherry del Mariano of Taguig City told reporters yesterday how she was bullied at work because of her condition.

“They copy the way I speak,” she said, noting that she quit her job as service crew of a popular fast-food chain because of that.

Del Mariano said she had her first operation when she was two years old, sponsored by Smile Train.

After meeting the Miss Universe bets, Del Mariano said she realized that “even the most beautiful people in the world” have their own difficulties.

“I learned from them to believe in myself,” she stressed.

Htet Htet Htun of Myanmar related how she strived hard to fulfill her dream of becoming a beauty queen and to represent her country in the prestigious pageant.

She said she did not get the support of her family as her father wanted her to become a doctor.

Because she did not receive financial support from her parents, Htun said she has to save money to buy high-heeled shoes and make-up and had to “run” to go from one place to another to join beauty contests.

“I cannot leave my dream. I want to show them I can make it. I believe in myself. I want to represent my country,” she said.

Htun urged the young people not to let any obstacles stop them from reaching their dreams.

“Sometimes the difficulties make you stronger, better,” she said.

Aside from Mexico, Haiti and Myanmar, candidates from China, India, Tanzania, Dominican Republic, US Virgin Islands, Nigeria also joined the workshop.

Other candidates, including reigning Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach, visited the Our Lady of Peace Hospital in Parañaque City, where Smile Train patients are being treated.

Kimmy Coseteng-Flaviano, country director of Smile Train-Philippines, said she was very happy that the Miss Universe candidates were able to meet with their beneficiaries.

She also lauded the Miss Universe Organization for continuously helping them to raise awareness and “bring more smiles to children with clefts.”

Flaviano said yesterday’s activity allowed the candidates and cleft patients to “inspire and empower” one another.

“Since the beginning of our partnership in December 2015, there has been great support and involvement from the organization’s international titleholders,” she said.

Miss Universe Organization president Paula Shugart encouraged the ladies to continue to help raise awareness about Smile Train in their own countries. 

Mindanao tapestry

In Davao City on Thursday night, various ethnic fabrics woven in different parts of Mindanao took center stage as 29 of the candidates participated in a fashion show at the SMX Convention Center, SMX Lanang Premier. 

At least 11 local designers created casual wear and formal evening gowns out of the ethnic materials.

In spite of the heavy rains, the Miss Universe candidates got a taste of the hospitality of Davao City as they were given a grand welcome with ethnic dance and music upon their arrival Thursday afternoon at the Davao International Airport on board two private jets owned by former Ilocos governor Chavit Singson. They were also treated to a sumptuous lunch of fresh produce from the local farm and the sea at Eden Mountain Resort and a tour of the mountain resort that featured an agricultural farm, a fishing village, a cultural village, among others.

Among the designers featured in the show were Renee Salud and those based in Davao City – Alfonso Boy Guinoo, Aztec Barba, Dodjie Batu, Emi Englis, Egay Ayag, Benjie Panizales, Edgar Buyan, Wilson Limon, Silverio Anglacer and Kenny Ladaga.

Family time

In Nasugbu, Batangas also on Thursday night, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach told reporters she is looking forward to spending more time with her family once she passes on the crown to her successor on Jan. 30.

“…they’re here right now but since we’ve been a bit busy, I haven’t had the chance to see them,” she said.

The reigning beauty queen joined 16 other candidates during a visit to tropical sanctuary Pico de Loro, which is part of the delegates’ journey to different parts of the country in the lead up to the 65th Miss Universe pageant at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Asked what she’s going to miss after her reign, Wurtzbach candidly said, “I guess travelling for free, because after Miss Universe I have to pay for my own travels.”

The outgoing Miss Universe also praised the candidates vying to be her successor. “There are 86 candidates and I think all of them have equal chances of winning the crown,” she said when asked about the remark of former Miss Universe Gloria Diaz that it will be difficult for the Philippines to score a back-to-back win. – Janvic Mateo, Edith Regalado