Mar 25, 2012

Philippines - 'Operation Smile' Brings Cheer, Hope


MANILA, Philippines — Reigning beauty queens and this year’s candidates of the Bb. Pilipinas 2012 brought smiles of hope in the lives of at least 50 children through a special medical mission of Operation Smile Philippines recently held at the Sta. Ana Hospital.

Led by Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) Chairperson Stella Marquez-Araneta and Smile Ambassador and Ms. Universe 2011 3rd runner up Shamcey Supsup, the ladies assisted in the medical mission as part of an advocacy recently embraced by BPCI. Operation Smile is a private, non-profit organization that conducts medical missions in partner-countries.

During the Ms. Universe 2011 pageant, Shamcey Supsup was one of the selected candidates that participated in the Operation Smile mission in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Bb. Pilipinas International 2011 Dianne Necio and Bb. Pilipinas Tourism 2011 Isabella Manjon, a registered nurse, were also on hand to assist in the mission.

The ladies were warmly welcomed by Operation Smile Philippines trustees Robbie Antonio of Century Properties and Ann Gonzales of Havaianas and Sta. Ana Hospital Director Dr. Mario Lato. John Joseph Javier, PAGCOR’s, Assistant Manager, Community Relations and Services Department and Manila Bulletin’s Badette Cunanan and Barbie Atienza also graced the occasion.

One of the highlights of the activity was the R600,000 pledge of BPCI intended to fund a future medical mission to benefit at least 40 children. Mrs. Araneta says that “the Binibining Pilipinas is not only concerned about the external beauty of face and figure. Beyond this kind of beauty, we espouse compassion for those who are underprivileged, those who have less in life. The effort becomes more meaningful because through this partnership with Operation Smile, we can actually help bring radiant smiles of hope in the lives of these children.”

Stella Marquez Araneta, BPCI Executive Board Member Conchitina Bernardo, together with three reigning beauty queens Shamcey Supsup, Dianne Necio and Isabella Manjon assisted in the operation of eight-month-old Armhea Lucas, whose cleft problem was so bad it pushed to her nose. After less than an hour, Armhea was brought out of the operating room to her tearful mom, with a brand new countenance. Mrs. Lucas, Armhea’s mom said, “Hindi ko po akalain na may ganitong mangyayari para sa anak ko. Mabuti na lang ang nagpursige ang asawa ko na hanapin ang Operation Smile. Ngayon, walang kasing tamis ang magiging ngiti at buhay ng anak ko. Salamat sa Operation Smile, Binibining Pilipinas at Pagcor.”

Roberto Manzano of Operation Smile welcomed the Bb. Pilipinas queens and candidates into the mission. “We see this as an important highlight in our 30th anniversary celebration of Operation Smile in the Philippines. In Operation Smile, we believe that when you create smiles, you change lives and you heal humanity. It is a touching scene when you see a beautiful girl lifting up the spirit of a child whose cleft deformities and face will be changed forever. It gives an altogether tangible dimension to beauties promoting hope and world peace.”

The Operation Smile mission is just one of many activities of the Bb. Pilipinas 2012. On March 25, there will be a grand Parade of Beauties around the Araneta Center starting at 4 p.m. On April 8, a pre-pageant Primer will be aired on ABS-CBN’s Sunday’s Best. Coronation night will be on April 15 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and will be aired on ABS-CBN.

ROBERT R. REQUINTINA
mb.com.ph



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