Pageants have long served as platforms for charitable efforts, and this year’s edition of the Miss Asia Pacific International competition is no exception, with the delegates spending time with special children.
The international pageant’s ‘Charity Day’ had the 38 delegates spending time with neurodivergent individuals and persons with disabilities at Casino Español de Cebu in Cebu City the whole day on Monday, Oct. 5.
During the event, the ladies joined the children in making arts and crafts using discarded cores of toilet paper rolls. Their works will be displayed in an exhibit at the 2026 Miss Asia Pacific International Charity Gala on Oct. 7.
‘Today is a very special day for all of us at Miss Asia Pacific International 2026 because we are reminded that the true beauty of a woman is not only seen in how she carries herself, but in how she uses her heart, her voice, and her influence to make a difference in the lives of others,’ said lawyer Eva Patalinjug-Lim, the pageant’s president.
The former Mutya ng Pilipinas and Binibining Pilipinas titleholder expressed her gratitude to all those who made the event possible, the organizations, educators, advocates and volunteers.
Patalinjug also shared her appreciation for Dr. Martina Jordana-Leyson, president of the Special Child Association of Cebu and the St. Martin de Porres Special School for ‘opening your doors and allowing us to celebrate this day with your wonderful children and families.’
Leyson’s Class of 1981 of the Colegio de la Imaculada Concepcion in Cebu City played a huge role in the international pageant’s charity day, with alumnae of the batch volunteering for the initiative, including Angeles Trebol who is also with the St. Martin de Porres Special School.
Also joining the Charity Day were Juanito King Foundation Inc., the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines-Cebu Chapter and Lipata National High School whose students are mostly hearing-impaired.
‘Thank you for the work that you do every day, not only in providing education and support, but in creating a community where every child is seen, valued, respected, and given the opportunity to shine,’ Patalinjug said.
‘To our Miss Asia Pacific International 2026 candidates, I hope you carry this experience with you throughout your journey. May today remind you that your crown is not simply a symbol of beauty. It is a responsibility, a platform to serve, to inspire, and to bring hope where it is needed most,’ she continued.
Patalinjug considered it a blessing to meet the children at the event, and thanked them for allowing the international pageant to a part of their day. ‘Thank you for reminding all of us what true beauty and compassion really mean. May we continue to build a world where every child is given the chance to dream, to belong, and to shine,’ she said.
The children also sharpened their stage performance skills during the Charity Day. Teachers from the Don Vicente Rama Memorial High School of the Arts spearheaded a singing workshop, while Knapsack Dancers took charge of a dance workshop.