Nicole Scherzinger spends time with poor kids in Baseco Compound

Nicole Scherzinger with children at Baseco Compound in Manila. Screengrab from Instagram

MANILA, Philippines – Former Pussycat Dolls lead singer Nicole Scherzinger has arrived in the Philippines to spend time with Filipino children, together with the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef).

Scherzinger, who has Filipino roots, has long been working with Unicef United Kingdom (UK).

In an Instagram post on Friday evening, the former “X Factor” judge, said, “I’m in the #Philippines with @Unicef_UK seeing how they support vulnerable children. I’m in love with the kids I’ve met, so special each one of them!”

Among the hashtags she used in the post was #proud2bpinay.

In the photo, she is seen beaming at five children. One of the boys is in the act of giving her a high five while the others stare and smile at the singer. The post has received more than 32,400 likes as of Saturday 9:30 a.m.

Another photo showed her lifting a baby above her head. The touching image has received more than 40,400 likes.

“Such an honor and blessing to spend time (with) these beautiful children, (especially this little) one today. Despite tough conditions these kids are so inspiring!” Scherzinger said.

Nicole Scherzinger lifts a baby at Baseco Compound in Manila. Screengrab from Instagram

British paper Daily Mail said the singer visited Baseco Compound, a depressed area in Manila.

“I’m part Filipina so I have a strong connection with the country and feel I have a responsibility to do what I can and bring awareness to the dangers that Filipino children face everyday,” she was quoted saying.

She spoke about Unicef’s efforts to protect children and keep them off the streets.