Before donning their evening gowns on coronation night, candidates of the 60th edition of the Binibining Pilipinas pageant lent their day with children in World Vision-assisted communities in Malabon and Quezon City.

The candidates, in two batches, visited Malabon on May 9 then Quezon City on May 10.

In Malabon, the first batch of Binibining Pilipinas candidates visited a school where they taught schoolchildren how to read in a session of Brigada Pagbasa, World Vision’s after-school learning program that aims to cultivate reading among young Filipino learners. The ladies then paid a courtesy visit to the local government unit where they were met by the city mayor, Jeannie Sandoval.

Meanwhile, the second batch of candidates who visited Quezon City spent their day with the children by playing games and helping them write letters to their sponsors. And as a way of saying their gratitude, the children made friendship bracelets for the candidates. Binibining Pilipinas candidates also paid a visit to the local leaders of a community there where World Vision works.

Ambassadors for children

During the event, World Vision also awarded Shannen Manzano and Samantha Viktoria Acosta, the candidates representing General Santos City and Bulacan, respectively, as World Vision Ambassadors for Children. The award recognizes the efforts of individuals in raising issues that affect children, as well as inspiring others to follow suit.

Manzano, in her speech upon being recognized as a World Vision Ambassador for Children, shared that she has had a heart for children even in her younger years.

“I have a heart for children who never give up despite whatever the challenge life throws at them. They try despite the odds are not being in their favor, and finding ways to succeed,” Manzano said.

“And my main belief is you have to excel in what you do. Before you know what to do, you have to know up close and personal what [the children] need, and to let them know that they are heard in this world. They are important in their own special way,” Manzano added.

Meanwhile, Acosta revealed a personal experience when she was young that led her to advocate for children

“When I was 7, I was in an orphanage and there was this one girl playmate of mine who came up to me and said ‘Can I join you? Because I want a family too.’ During that moment, I was so young, I didn’t know what to do, my heart was shattered. I told myself that one day, I want to make a difference in other people’s lives,” she said.

“It’s been 19 years since that, and that’s the reason why I celebrate my birthdays in orphanages, home for the aged and prisons. The words of that playmate of mine deeply resonated with me,” Acosta added.

For its 60th edition of the pageant, the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. has partnered with World Vision to be the official charity partner — a first-time partnership for both organizations.