Miss Universe 2016 has got everybody talking. First of all, well, because it’s Miss Universe, and secondly, because it’s happening in the country which is mad about beauty pageants. From unveiling the national costumes of various contestants, to travelling across different parts, to setting the stage on fire on swimsuit presentation, of the country, the MU pageant is keeping us glued to our screen for various reasons.

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Apart from all the activities and events, the contestants made sure to indulge in some social cause. A food pack full of love – this was what the Miss Universe candidates were told as they packed food items as proceeds for pregnant women in need. The girls proudly wore their sashes with the name of their countries. The girls participated in the “Rise Against Hunger” event where they helped the volunteers in packing items like beef congee, fish flakes, champorado and ginataan. The event was held at the Conrad Manila Hotel, Pasay City on Wednesday.

The event was held in collaboration with the Rise Against Hunger Organisation and Department of Health. The food packs will be donated to 100 pregnant women in a bid to reduce premature births among mothers and malnutrition among newborns. The executive director of Rise Against Hunger Organisation, Jomar Fleras, advised the delegates to put all their heart into the food. “When you pack your meals, you put a piece of your heart there so that children will feel your love,” Fleras said.

Miss Universe Philippines, Maxine Medina shared that she was excited about the event. “I feel good that I’m giving back to the community,” said Medina who hopes to score a back-to-back win for the Philippines. Miss USA Deshauna Barber shared that this event has inspired her to address world hunger as one of the most important cause to take up. “I think it’s important that where you’re coming from, you can on focus on international relations and causes that impact us all around the world. And world hunger is on top of the list,” said Barber. “I think it’s amazing, and packing too – we’re having a good time, we’re also here for a very important reason,” he added.

Miss Universe Ecuador Connie Jimenez also shared that she feels blessed to be a part of such activity. “I feel blessed to work in this kind of project, because we’re helping each other, we’re helping our brothers and sisters,” she said.

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Miss Universe 2016 is slated to be held on 30th January 2017 at Mall of Asia Arena. At the conclusion of the finale, Pia Wurtzbach of Philippines will crown one of the contestants as her successor.