With the appointment of Frontrow Philippines CEO and Congressman Sam Verzosa as its Director for Charity, Miss Universe Philippines is stepping up its initiatives to support social causes.
This involves working closely with both its candidates and the reigning title holder to create a significant and positive difference in society starting in the provinces they represent.
For instance, on April 12, 2023, in partnership with Aqua Boracay, the organization ran a feeding program for the children of the Ati Tribe and a beach cleanup of Boracay Island on the side of the pageant's swimsuit presentation event at the resort.
Cong. Sam said in an exclusive interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), "These have been the changes that have been happening and... implementing here in the Miss Universe Philippines.
"Before, the focus is on the competition, beauty. Now, it's more than beauty. It's the purpose, advocacy, and showing the beauty of our country.
"Each year, we go to different provinces from Benguet, Bohol, Ilocos, and now, Boracay and Leyte and Samar this year.
"And not just that, but we're also helping different organizations and charities."
"We're making all the candidates active in these advocacies and I think they have their own advocacies as well.
"So, very aligned yung mga ginagawa namin. Me as a congressman and representative, and them as a representative of their own provinces."
CHARITY PROJECTS
Miss Universe Philippines 2023 candidate Michelle Dee, who has visited Boracay on multiple occasions, found her participation in the organization's feeding program to be truly an eye-opener.
She told PEP.ph, "Honestly, I'm so happy about it because I felt so much more fulfilled at the end of the day.
"Advocacies are a big part of me and to see all of these indigenous tribes, you know, just be happy."
"Honestly, it put me into perspective also because Boracay is known for its beaches, known for their water sports, and just nature.
"But I didn't know that there were indigenous tribes here that, you know, also deserve to be heard and taken care of.
"And I really just appreciated that the org, as well as Aqua Boracay, took the initiative to notice them and to give them a thank you."
Meanwhile, candidate Krishnah Gravidez, hailing from Baguio City, felt her first-ever visit to Boracay to be far more fulfilling than she expected.
Having led the shore clean-up program along Bulabog Beach, she expressed exuberantly, "It amazes me na first time to be here in Boracay, and I did something for Boracay and it's to clean up the shore.
"It's just a small act but it can inspire other people to do so. So, I hope that we can continue to do that.
"Like, through our small ways to help our environment and also our beaches."
She then urged tourists on the island and elsewhere to be more mindful of keeping their environment free of waste and detritus.
"Be responsible na lang if you're a tourist in a certain destination, especially in Baguio marami rin tourists.
"I'm so amazed by our local government on how they implement, you know, the restrictions about the ways .
"But I wanna inspire also the tourists to be responsible… because it's fun to have moments and enjoy the places that you've been going to.
"But, it's our responsibility to [protect it]."
Candidate CJ Opiaza from Zambales who participated in the beach clean-up was particularly impressed with how well Boracay has been cleaned and maintained.
Reflecting on the importance of preserving its natural wonders, she said, “What's really nice is there's not much of trash around.
"So it really means that the people around here really take care of their environment, that's really nice.
"And I just want to say that nature can live without men but men cannot live without nature. So we really have to take care of our environment."
CJ continued to commend Miss Universe Philippines for opening to her the opportunity to contribute to causes she is passionate about.
"It's really nice that Miss Universe is not just focusing on just one advocacy or just two advocacies focused. We have the Coastal Cleanup.
"We are environmentally focused. We are also pushing through empowerment for the kids, for the youth, also pushing through mental health awareness, the holistic health itself.
"There's some girls also focused on the physical and mental health advocacy earlier."
HOME AWAY FROM HOME
Overall, the candidates of Miss Universe Philippines 2023 cherished their time on the island and were grateful for their unforgettable experiences.
Krishnah said, "It's my first time to be here in Boracay and the first thing that struck, you know, is the coziness of the hotel. Like, it's a home away from home experience."
For her part, Afia Adorable Yeboah, hailing from Tiaong, Quezon, had memorable moments in the sofa area of the Qtchn restaurant at the hotel.
She said, "It's very homey and it makes you feel so welcome that you would eat a lot plus the food is so good. I tried their spicy salmon salad. It's really good."
For CJ, being in Boracay evoked in her a feeling of nostalgia and longing for her hometown.
The aspiring beauty queen said, "It feels like I'm trying to connect myself again with how Zambales looks like, so thank you so much for Boracay for bringing that experience again here so thank you."
Michelle, who was later named Miss Aqua Boracay, has come to consider the island her second home.
Particularly, she found solace and tranquilty in the peaceful island, allowing her to escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
She said, "Usually when I travel, because I have such a hectic schedule, I really just want to disconnect from the noise.
"So, I don't have fun going to clubs. I really just want to be in my own peaceful space.
"And I feel like Aqua Boracay is that because it's complete, but at the same time, there's so much to do.
"And the people are amazing. They all remember me, and I also remember them."
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