Candidates visit wounded soldiers
Proving that they are not just beautiful but also compassionate, the 40 official candidates of Binibining Pilipinas 2018 visited soldiers confined at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Medical Center in Quezon City last Tuesday.
With the help of the Makati Medical Center Foundation, the ladies brought cheer to the soldiers at the hospital’s Heroes Ward. Led by Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. chairwoman Mrs. Stella Marquez Araneta, the Binibinis distributed food, clothes and toiletries. They also took time to interact with the soldiers and their families. “This is an experience the ladies will never forget,” Araneta said.
This year’s batch features a medical doctor and several registered nurses who got to talk to the soldiers as if they were their own patients. Candidates from different provinces also had an opportunity to bond with soldiers from their hometowns. Some candidates also prayed with the patients for their recovery.
AFP Health Service Command’s Brig. Gen Edwin Leo Torrelavega also briefed the candidates about the sacrifices these heroes had to make to serve the country and the threats they faced, particularly those who fought terrorists in Marawi.
“The candidates’ visit will boost the morale of the patients.
Gagaling sila hindi lamang sa tulong ng magagaling na doktor, gamot o magagandang pasilidad, kailangan din nila ng mataas na morale (They are getting better not just because of the able doctors, medicines or good facilities; they also need a boost in their morale),” Torrelavega said.
This was just the first charity visit for the ladies who are vying for the chance to represent the Philippines in the most prestigious international pageants. Coronation night is set on March 18.