Miss Universe enjoys ‘chicharon,’ calls Filipinos ‘amazing, humble people’

Miss Universe Sheynnis Palacios. Image: INQUIRER.net/Armin P. Adina

Reigning Miss Universe Sheynnis Palacios delighted Filipinos with her candidness during her first visit to the Philippines as she gamely tried chicharon (pork rind crackling) in front of an engaged crowd.

“For this, I will break my diet,” the Nicaraguan beauty said in jest as she took a bite from a piece of chicharon during a news conference at Newport Mall in Pasay City on Thursday night.

Voltaire Tayag, executive vice president of the Miss Universe Philippines Organization, the group that brought Palacios here, also shared with the Inquirer they took the queen to a buffet restaurant so she may choose what food she prefers. “But she still tried Filipino food,” Tayag said.

Palacios shared just the day before the event, they’ve also tried halo-halo (shaved ice dessert). “It’s a refreshing dessert, and very, very delicious. I know about beef mechado (Filipino beef stew), and I ate lechon (suckling pig). Filipino food is very delicious,” she said.

Enjoying the country’s cuisine is just part of her goals to know more about the Filipino culture. She has also tried speaking the language. As she introduced herself to members of the local media, she said, “Mabuhay Pilipinas. Mahal kita, Pilipinas. Ako si Sheynnis Palacios, ako si Miss Universo (Long live the Philippines. I love you Philippines. I am Sheynnis Palacios, I am Miss Universe).”

Her visit to the country is part of her Asian Tour. She has been to Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. Miss Universe Organization owner Anne Jakrajutatip said Palacios is also scheduled to visit India.

‘Like home’

“It is the first time that I’ve visited Asia. Every single people here makes me feel like home, makes me feel grateful to be Miss Universe,” Palacios said.

“We are so far [from] Latin America, but all of you make me feel like very, very close to our continent,” she added.

“Thank you for this journey, and thank you for this gift that God has given me. Because Miss Universe is more [than being] a queen, more [than a] crown and sash. It is a huge responsibility,” Palacios said. —CONTRIBUTED