MISS Asia Pacific International 2017 Francielly Ouriques of Brazil (second from left) with her court (from left): Ilene de Vera of the Philippines (fourth runner-up), Valeria Cardona of Honduras (second runner-up) and Acacia Walker of New Zealand (first runner-up) photo by Tonee Despojo
MISS Asia Pacific International 2017 Francielly Ouriques of Brazil and her runners-up are now in Cebu for a three-day visit.
Ouriques with Acacia Walker of New Zealand (1st runner-up), Valeria Cardona of Honduras (2nd runner-up), and Cebuana beauty queen Ilene de Vera of the Philippines (4th runner-up) arrived yesterday morning and were welcomed by employees and even passengers at Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) in Lapu-Lapu City.
“It’s really indeed my first time here in Cebu and I expect to have a wonderful experience here. I did my research online and I saw amazing pictures in Cebu so I expect wonderful moments here,” Ouriques told members of Cebu media with the help of her interpreter, Jonathan Luiz Schneiders.
After winning the pageant held last November 29 at Resorts World Manila, Ouriques said she wants to continue working on her project which is to visit orphaned children.
“I already have projects in my country and my advocacy is going to be the same. I worked on a project where I can take care of children,” she said.
Ouriques said she wants to share with the children the pageant’s advocacy which is about beauty and diversity.
“This is something that I learn here and has made an impact in my life,” she added. She said she has been spending more time online to interact with fans and thank them for their support.
EXPERIENCE CEBU
Cardona, for her part, said she wants to try the food and experience the culture in Cebu.
“I expect to have a wonderful experience in Cebu. The local people here, how to experience the delicious food, get to know the local culture and get to know some places on the island,” she said.
Walker was also asked the same question and answered, “I heard about the lechon and I really want to try that!” De Vera, who lives in barangay Basak, Mandaue City, said she would bring her fellow Miss Asia Pacific International 2017 winners to Basilica Minore del Santo Niño.
“It is one of the oldest churches in the country, very historical. I also want them to try lechon and bring them to party places,” she added.
Morgan Doelwijt from the Netherlands, who placed third runner-up, could no longer join the trip since she is already back in her country to finish her studies.
The Miss Asia Pacific International 2017 winners visited the offices of Mandaue City Mayor Luigi Quisumbing and Cebu Vice Governor Agnes Magpale for a courtesy call.
Today, they will be at the popular landmarks in Cebu which include Mactan Shrine, Magellan’s Cross, Plaza Independencia, and Basilica Minore del Santo Niño. They will leave Cebu on Sunday morning and will fly to Puerto Princesa, Palawan.