Two beauty queens – Miss World 2003 Top 5 finisher Mafae Yunon-Belasco and Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental 2016 Jennifer Hammond – challenged the public to show their support and care for the blind by wearing a blind fold while having dinner.
“Our project is called ‘Blind Date.’ Internationally, it started in Europe. The concept is for the guest to wear a blind fold while having dinner,” said Belasco, during the press launch held at the Ramen Metro Restaurant in Makati City.
“There will be students from the Philippine National School for the Blind (PNSB) performing and giving testimonies while the guests are having meals,” she added. “So it’s the experience of feeling what the blind feels each day for a few hours.”
Beloso said that the project is organized by the James R. Mackay Foundation in support of the programs of the PNSB.
Mackay, foundation chairman, said that diners will experience dinner and receive special experience for P1,000 per person at the City Club Alphaland in Makati City on Feb. 28. “It will go to our schools in the provinces we are building for the disabled children and families.”
Hammond said that she was touched by the blind students during the Christmas party held at the PNSB that’s why she decided to join the foundation. “We have also sent invites for our fellow Binibinis to join this effort.”
Mark Lico, head director for Mackay Foundation, said the foundation will be training potential teachers from the provinces and establishing facilities in public schools for students.
“The foundation also wants to address the transportation of students who walk for miles and cross rivers using only a single rope that it tied on a tree,” Lico said.
Other supporters of the event were Joey D. Garcia, executive vice president and business development director, Cebu Modern Japanese Cuisine Corporation; and former basketball star Nico Belasco, City Club general manager.