Urdaneta’s Miss Universe Philippines bet backs out
A BEAUTY contestant from Urdaneta City who made it to the official roster of Miss Universe Philippines 2023 backed out from this premier beauty and brains competition in the country due to health reasons.
Evangeline Fuentes’ inclusion in the shortlist of candidates for Miss Universe Philippines 2023 was considered an answered prayer and dream for her and the children in the landfill community where she grew up to be heard and empowered.
Fuentes was a former garbage collector, farmer, vendor, and now founder of her charity group and considered a force for good in the universe.
“However, the past few days have been tough for Ms. Fuentes after learning about a health condition that shouldn’t be ignored. It is with great sadness to inform you on behalf of Ms. Fuentes that she will no longer continue her Ms. Universe Philippines 2023 journey,” said Michelle Joy Padayhag, Fuentes’ official spokesperson, in a Facebook post on Monday.
The statement added that her decision to back out might be tough “but we have to follow the doctor’s advice for Ms. Fuentes’ well-being and recovery”.
An earlier post of Padayhag said Fuentes grew up in a landfill area in Urdaneta City, Pangasinan. The youngest of nine siblings, Evangeline’s father is a farmer while her mother is a dressmaker.
Evangeline helped her family by being a farmer, trash collector, and vendor since she was in grade school.
But Evangeline wanted to inspire young girls in the landfill community, became a student leader and graduated in grade school and high school with honors.
Her siblings sacrificed, made way, worked together, and helped each other to finance her studies. She earned her degree in Accountancy at Panpacific University in Urdaneta. Evangeline is the only one among nine siblings who earned a college degree.
She is presently a model, entrepreneur, works in the real estate industry, and founder of Kalakal Charity that empowers children in landfill area.
She has also been in the pageant industry with titles under her belt like Ms. Panpacific University 2017, Bb. Republica ng Pilipinas Congreso de Malolos 2018, and Bb. Urdaneta City 2020. (Eva Visperas)
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