MISS Philippines Ilene de Vera, the country’s delegate to the Miss Asia Pacific International 2017 beauty pageant, has said that joining peaceful rallies and demonstrations in the past opened her mind to national issues and made her assertive.
“Many do not know that back in college, I had the chance to participate in a few rallies and demonstrations in and outside the campus,” said De Vera, who went to the University of the Philippines Cebu.
“I specifically joined those that concerned our right to free education and the just compensation of workers. For so long, holding rallies and demonstrations are a taboo in our society and that is mainly the reason why I joined it. I want to show to people and change the way they think about rallies.
“Through this we can actually achieve power against the oppressors of our rights. Rallies are a form of unification and it can always be done in a peaceful way. In fact, a portion of the constitution allows the free execution of such so long that it does not cause prejudice to the rights of others,” said De Vera.
De Vera, who is now working for a real estate and leasing company, said that she is proud that she took part in peaceful rallies and demonstrations.
“This chunk of my life is something I’m most proud of and I thank UP Cebu for opening my mind to societal and national issues and moulding me to become a more assertive and conscious,” she said.
Forty-two beautiful and empowered women are vying for the title of Miss Asia Pacific International 2017. The finals will be held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater of Resorts World Manila on Thursday, Nov. 29, at 6 p.m.
