Friday 10 May 2024

Miss Universe 2023 warm welcome in the Philippines

Miss Universe Sheynnis Palacios basks in Filipino hospitality

By Iza Iglesias
Manila Times
May 10, 2024

Since her arrival in the Philippines on May 1 as part of her Asia tour, reigning Miss Universe Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua has been deeply touched by the warmth and hospitality of the Filipino people. Throughout her nearly week-long stay, she found herself feeling truly at home.

On Sunday, May 5, Filipinos poured out their love for Palacios in a heartfelt motorcade at the SM Mall of Asia Complex, complete with a marching band. She was moved to tears by the cheers, fans, and the chants of her home country, Nicaragua.

A touching moment during the parade went viral on social media — a Nicaraguan who is based in the Philippines handed her their flag, moving her to tears once again.

The following day, Palacios graced the Miss Universe Philippines Sponsors Night at the Manila Hotel, where she met her fellow Miss Universe 2023 batchmate, Michelle Marquez Dee, for the first time since the competition in November last year.


In her speech, she expressed her gratitude, saying, "Ako si (I am) Sheynnis Palacios, your Miss Universe. It's a pleasure to be here and I want to say thank you, maraming salamat po, and muchas gracias. This visit is very special to me as part of my Asia tour because of you, the Filipino people. Thank you for the warm welcome, it felt like a homecoming, and it's very meaningful to me. I cried a lot because you made me feel like I was at home."

"Thank you in the name of the Miss Universe Organization, Miss Universe Philippines, and thank you in the name of more than six million Nicaraguans in my country. I always say that I'm your Miss Universe, and it's a pleasure for me to wear the sash and crown because it means more than that. It's about being responsible, it's about love, and patience. So thank you for making this journey the most amazing job for me and the most incredible experience I have had in my life. Gracias, I love you," she added.


Palacios also took the time to pose for pictures with guests and Miss Universe Philippines 2024 candidates. Besides the Philippines, she also visited Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and continued her journey in India.

Meanwhile, the Miss Universe Philippines Sponsors Night, hosted by BingoPlus, was further elevated by a stunning fashion show. The first part showcased delegates in the feminine designs of MAGS, while the second half featured the ladies in their FilipiƱana best.


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