Miss Universe contestants speak of good will in Manila

Pia Wurtzbach holds the crown as she rushes towards Miss France Iris Mittenaere after the latter was declared winner in the 65th Miss Universe beauty pageant. REUTERS

 

MANILA: Miss Universe contestants on Sunday (January 29) talked about their personal good will goals and activities on the red carpet in the Philippines capital, Manila.

86 women from all over the world gathered in Manila to compete in the Miss Universe contest that will culminate in a coronation on Monday (January 30).

The contestants' acts of altruism vary from championing for animal rights to advocating for the welfare of the mentally disabled.

"In the Netherlands, I work a lot with children because I really love children and I teach them how to read because I think reading is really important. I also work for a cause assisting dogs, love that as well. But of course I also want to represent the HIV charity," Miss Netherlands, Zoey Ivory, said.

"One of my main ones is advocating for people suffering from mental illness which is something I've had issues with in the past. I've overcome it but I'd really like to help those out there who are also suffering from it," Miss Australia, Caris Tiivel said .

Miss USA, Deshauna Barber, emphasised on the importance of humility for women rather than "miniscule things" such as physical appearance.

Pia Wurtzbach, the 2015 Miss Universe from the Philippines, will turn over the crown to her successor in a three-hour television event which will begin on Monday at 12:00 GMT