CANDIDATES of the Miss Asia Pacific International 2017 beauty contest paid tribute to the brave Filipino soldiers who fought and got wounded in Marawi City recently.
During their visit to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) hospital in Quezon City, the candidates watched videos of encounters and their aftermath in the capital of Lanao del Sur.
What was initially planned as a neuro-linguistic programming seminar turned into a genuine unravelling of shared beliefs and personal stories between the candidates and the soldiers.
“We often feel like no one understands what we go through. We feel like we are taken for granted, and so we thank you for taking the time to listen to us and share your time with everyone here,” said 1st Lt. Christopher Montecillo told the visiting international beauties.
Testimonies from the soldiers touched and inspired the entire group to the point of compelling Miss Iceland to stand up and give an impromptu message to the men.
Miss Nepal, whose father is also part of the army in her country, followed. Soon, more candidates approached the stage to share their thoughts.
Then the beauty queens gave a stem of red rose to all the wounded soldiers in the camp as a sign of appreciation.
Dubbed the oldest beauty pageant in Asia, the Miss Asia Pacific International contest has been around since the 1960s.
Press presentation
Forty-two beautiful and empowered women from all over the world are vying for the title of Miss Asia Pacific International 2017.
Some of the women competing in this year’s pageant are models, nurses, lawyers, doctors, singers, and actresses.
At the end of the press presentation held at a hotel in Mandaluyong City, Miss Sri Lanka Hasini Samuel was chosen Darling of the Press. First runner-up was Miss Mauritius Aylasha Ramrachia and Miss Vietnam Vuong Thanh Tuyen, 2nd runner-up.
Reigning Miss Asia Pacific International Tessa Helena Le Conge from the Netherlands and Tan-Sainz also presented the new pageant crown designed by Manny Halasan of Bulacan.
The finals will be held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater of Resorts World Manila on Nov. 29 at 6 p.m. (Robert R. Requintina)