The three advocacies of the 2019 #Binibinis closest to my heart:

1. Reading and Literacy – I am a firm believer that starting the kids at an early age to enjoy reading is a great foundation that will guarantee their individuality, communication skills (be it in oral or penned formats) and the overall ability to fluidly express themselves as teenagers and young adults. Having worked in the academe for close to a decade justifies my defense for this cause (and literacy in general). Hence, I share this advocacy with #Binibini24 Nicole Guerrero and #Binibini25 Samantha Lo.

2. Agriculture – as someone born and raised in the Province of Bulacan where agriculture and fishery are two of the main sources of livelihood, I believe it is crucial to give due focus to the underrated concerns of the farmers and the fishermen. Without their hard-earned work, we won’t have enough rice, vegetable and fish to fill our dining tables with simple and nutritious fares. As such, I share this advocacy with #Binibini32 Mary Faye Murphy and #Binibini36 Francia Layderos.

3. Anti-bullying – growing up gay in a conservative rural society is not easy, let alone being constantly teased and bullied for being that effeminate youngster who is the constant target of bullying from people of different age groups. Of course, I have grown old and wiser – a more iron-clad gay man. As a result, I share this advocacy with #Binibini14 Leren Mae M. Bautista.

I hope one of them wins the P100,000.00 special surprise for getting the most number of likes on the Miss Universe Philippines Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/TheMissUniversePH/

Which are your preferred causes among the #Binibinis?

Photos by Raymond Saldaña

#MsUniversePh #ConfidentlyBeautiful #AFilipinaEmpowers
#bbpilipinas2019
#beyondbeauty