Sheynnis Palacios, Filipino beauty queens push for women empowerment
Reigning Miss Universe Sheynnis Palacios. Image: Instagram/@jojobragaisofficial
Reigning Miss Universe Sheynnis Palacios has joined a group of Filipino beauty queens in sharing a message of encouragement to other women, to empower them to pursue the future they aspire to have.
In a campaign for global Filipino pageant footwear brand Jojo Bragais, Palacios said, “Women from all walks of life are often told to know their place. Born with limited opportunities, women are taught that we are in no position to dream bigger things for ourselves.”
The first Nicaraguan Miss Universe titleholder continued: “But these things of our past have become our stepping stone to greatness. Because now, the future is ours to make. And you know what? We aren’t what people say we are. We are who we decide to be.”
Alongside her in her quest to help women feel empowered were 2023 Miss Bohol Kyra Rei Hopkins, 2022 Miss World Philippines semifinalist Natasha Bautista, reigning Miss International Queen Philippines Mindanao Sheila Magpale III, 2023 Mutya ng Cotabato Clarissa Marie Angelina Westram, 2023 Mutya ng Daragang Magayon Aliya Rohilla, 2023 Mutia ti La Union Agri-Turismo 2023 Anjali Camacho Pradeep Kumar, and reigning Miss International Queen Philippines Luzon Sher Cadoy.
These Filipino beauty queens shared their personal stories of struggling to pursue their dreams, and how they overcame the obstacles that got in the way of the future they want for themselves. Jojo Bragais, the shoe designer and the brand’s namesake, shared with INQUIRER.net that the Filipino queens did not know that Palacios will be joining them on set.
“I never told them that they will be shooting alongside [Palacios] because I wanted to capture their authentic reaction. Some of them cried, some ran out of words, and some were just in awe. I spoke to some of them after, and they kept telling me that it’s a fantasy they never thought would be possible,” he said.
Bragais said Palacios was a delight on set, and made the crew feel at home. “As soon as she walked inside the studio, she greeted everyone with a smile, shook hands, hugged, and kissed. The ambiance was so light, and everyone was laughing,” he shared.
The Filipino beauties also got the chance to personally hear from Palacios her own story of failures and victories. “She even shared a part of her childhood selling tamales to help pay for their bills,” Bragais said.
“The message I want to impart in this campaign is that every dream is valid. I just want for queens competing locally to realize that there are people watching silently who are willing to open opportunities if they just give their best, and they deserve it,” he said.
