By ROBERT R. REQUINTINA
The country’s #1 fast-food brand and the universe’s most confidently beautiful women spread joy to children from the Kanlungan sa Er-Ma Ministry through a day of fun, gift-giving and dancing.
One week after yet another spectacular coronation night in Las Vegas, Nevada, the Miss Universe titleholders arrived in the Philippines for a week-long tour of the country.
Recently, the Miss Universe titleholders visited one the branches of Jollibee, the Philippines’ #1 fast-food chain, to help spread joy to kids in time for the Christmas season.
Fifteen titleholders, including the reigning Miss Universe 2017 Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere and Miss Universe-Philippines 2017 Rachel Peters, among others, and Jollibee representatives took time from their busy schedule to visit the Jollibee Biopolis branch on Diosadado Macapagal Avenue and spend the day with the children from the Kanlungan sa Er-Ma Ministry in Manila.
Also present were Miss Universe Organization President Paula Shugart; Miss Universe Organization Vice President for Marketing Shawn McClain; Jollibee Philipines President JJ Alano and senior officials from Jollibee.
Each titleholder was paired with a young orphan child, where they bonded over Jollibee favorites like Chickenjoy, Jolly Spaghetti, Cheesy Yum Burger, Jolly Crispy Fries and Peach Mango Pies, shared stories and danced with the iconic Jollibee mascot.
Afterwards, the Miss Universe titleholders gifted their sweet new friends with cute Jollibee huggable pillows.
“It’s wonderful to be back in the Philippines for the second time this year, and to be welcomed by the familiar hospitality of the Filipinos,” Miss Universe Organization President Paula Shugart said.
“Our first visit to Jollibee, where we indulged in the locals’ kindness, laughter and the unforgettable Chickenjoy, left us with a very heart-warming experience. So there was no doubt for us to partner with Jollibee again while we’re here to spread more holiday cheer to the children and brighten up their day,” said Shugart.
“We are honored to have the opportunity to team up once again with the prestigious organization in bringing joy to the kids, and we’re especially grateful that these ladies took the time out of their busy schedules to spend time with them,” Jollibee Global Brand Chief Marketing Officer and PH Marketing Head Francis E. Flores said.
“By partnering with Jollibee, we are able to share with this year’s titleholders a national icon which espouses Pinoy pride through our products, mascots and the special memories instilled in the hearts of every Filipino family;
“Being a values-centric brand, we believe that this experience will create a positive and lasting impact on the kids as they interact with role models who can inspire and empower them to become confidently beautiful inside out,” said Flores.
Kanlungan sa Er-Ma Ministry is a non-profit organization based in Malate, Manila which provides street children the necessary care, love, protection, rehabilitation and education through first-aid, counselling, health and recreational activities, among others.
Last January 2017, the Miss Universe 2016 candidates participated in a similar outreach activity with the children from the Concordia Children’s Services orphanage in Jollibee Blue Bay Walk.
