A FOREIGNER ONCE SAID, “THE TWO BEST THINGS ABOUT THE PHILIPPINES ARE THEIR MANGOES AND THEIR WOMEN.”

Indeed, the remarkable beauty of the Filipina is recognized and admired all over the world. In fact, thousands of foreign men visit the Philippines jus to have the chance to meet Filipinas. More than just the physical, Filipinas stand out in terms of charm and femininity. To anyone who tries to refute that statement, the number of Filipinas that won international beauty pageants is more than enough proof to make anyone say, “I agree!” To date, the country has captured two Miss Universe crowns, four Miss International crowns and one Miss Earth crown.

With all the pomp and pageantry (pun intended) that come with beauty pageants, the delight the Filipinos exhibited when 2012 Miss World winner Wenxia Yu of China came to town last February was but natural. After her arrival last February 8, Wenxia went on a series of activities to promote the Miss World Vision, “Beauty with a Purpose.” Some of these activities were a meet-and-greet with her fans at the Mall of Asia, a tour of Old Manila Castillan, wreath-laying at the Rizal monument, as well as a visit to the Chinese Art exhibit at the Manila Hotel. The highlight of  Wenxia’s  trip was at tour of the Philippine General Hospital where she met Sunshine Sison, a young heart patient and first beneficiary of the Miss World organization charity arm.

Looking every inch like a beauty queen in a red gown designed by Leonardo Dadivas, Wenxia talked about her humble beginnings, a story that many Filipinos can relate to and learn from. “I came from an unusual background for someone winning Miss World; I came from a poor farming family. My father had to take on two jobs to send me to school, but I also had to take two jobs to send myself to school. I had to earn money and pay for my education along the way, too,” she said with no trace of bitterness in her voice.