After enjoying a cultural tour and attending a regional fashion show, some of the Miss Universe contestants visited cleft lip and palate patients at Our Lady of Peace Hospital in Parañaque City. The beauties also conducted an empowerment workshop with patients who had surgery.
On January 20th, the girls had an early morning and meaningful trip to fulfil. The candidates were joined by Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach. The girls shared their inspiring stories to the kids and encouraged them to pursue their dreams. The girls also decorated sashes and put them around the kids to further boost the latter’s self-confidence and give the message that everyone is beautiful and special in their own way.
"I've been listening to their stories and they tell me that their life has changed after the surgery because they have been through bullying, they've been crying sharing their stories," said Miss Haiti Raquel Pelissier.
The contestants also had a chance to interact with the kids, their parents, social workers, and medical professionals who have been working in the local community with the kids throughout the year.
The reigning queen, Pia Wurtzbach, also advised parents of children with cleft lip and palate to seek funding assistance from foundations.
“ If you cannot afford the cost of the operation, there are a lot of foundations like Smile Train which can shoulder the expenses. Look it up online, they are very welcoming and they're actually looking for more patients because they can accommodate more, she said.
After their visit, the candidates proceeded to Conrad Manila where Smile Train hosted an exclusive panel discussion attended by members of the press and led by television host Lexi Schulze. The girls shared their insights and experiences about the day’s activity.
The gala coronation of Miss Universe 2016 is slated to be held on 30th January 2017. Who do you think deserves the crown this year?