Photo By Alexis Corpuz
It rained on her parade, but the downpour did not stop people from going out to welcome and cheer the Philippines’ first Miss World, Megan Young, who has vowed to be the “best Miss World ever.”
Office workers in Makati City’s financial district came out to get a glimpse of the homecoming queen, who sheltered under her umbrella.
The beauty queen was profuse with gratitude for the warm welcome given her.
“Thank you for such a warm welcome home. It really is good to be home,” she said.
She added that she will start her charity work in the Philippines.
Young was accompanied by Miss World Organization Chairman Julia Morley and Miss World Philippines Director Cory Quirino.
Morley said Young will be working closely with the Philippine General Hospital, which the Miss World Organization has been supporting for the longest time, as well as the Tuloy Foundation founded by Father Rocky Evangelista, which houses and educates street children.
“At the Philippine General Hospital, we will be taking care of the children there kasi alam naman natin na minsan mahirap talagang makakuha ng gamot para sa mga less-privileged. ‘Yon ang isa sa mga priority namin dito sa Pilipinas. Of course we also have the Tuloy Foundation with Father Rocky has really done an amazing job with his charity. He has housed and school over 900 street children and given them a second chance,” Young explained.
After her visit home, Young will embark on her world tour to carry out her charitable and fundraising tasks.
Morley revealed that as Miss World 2013, Young will visit over 30 countries, including Haiti and Kenya.
But despite the beauty queen’s tremendous responsibilities, Morley assured Filipinos that they will still see Young at home.
“For her to enjoy her job, she has to rest. She needs to be with her family. So we will manage to get her home. . . We keep it balanced,” she said.
Asked what excites her after being crowned Miss World 2013, she answered: “I think it’s the whole experience of being in a different country. Being able to meet new people, get to talk to people.”
She admitted that the unprecedented victory has yet to sink in.
“I guess that’s why I get so emotional. I feel just how I was the day before, a year before, I feel like the same old Megan. But I do feel that I have a bigger responsibility now. And I need to be more aware of what I say, what I do and how I act,” she told reporters.
Young was happy to share her triumph with her family and friends. “Iba pa rin talaga kapag kasama mo ang pamilya mo, nakikita mo ang mga kaibigan mo at nagkakausap kayo. Parang dati lang,” she said.
She added that as part of her work as Miss World, she will encourage people to get involved in charity work.
“It’s not just about me being Miss Image, or Miss Figure who is able to contribute so much on charities. But it’s also getting people involved. And that’s the part I want this year, to get so many people involved in the organization and what we do,” Young said.
“Gusto ko lang talagang magpasalamat sa aking mga kababayang Pilipino na sumubaybay sa journey ko dito sa Ms. World. Na nakita nila kung paano ko pinaghirapan, saan ako nanggaling . . . And I hope that they all continue to follow me in my journey as the Miss World 2013.”
Grand homecoming
Young’s grand homecoming officially kicked off on Thursday with the Ceremonial Ball Toss of the NBA 2014’s pre-season game between Houston Rockets and Indiana Pacers held at the MOA Arena, Pasay City.
This continued on Friday with a courtesy call on President Benigno Aquino 3rd. Her Makati parade was capped off by a brief stop at SM MOA where she greeted her fans.
Today, she visits her hometown in Olongapo City where she will be welcomed by Mayor Rolen Paulino. On October 13, she will guest back-to-back at ABS-CBN’s ASAP and GMA-7’s Sunday All Stars.
On October 13, she will visit the Philippine General Hospital, the Senate and House of Representatives to receive their commendations.