Operation Smile

 MAPI Organization successfully holds Charity Gala

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte 

The Miss Asia Pacific International (MAPI) organization successfully held its Charity Gala at the Grand Ballroom of the Radisson Blu in Cebu City. The well-attended affair generated a generous amount for both its public and silent auctions for the benefit of Operation Smile.

Headed by Mariquita Yeung, Operation Smile cures defects in speaking and eating for children born with cleft palates; giving them a chance to live without fear or stigma. Proceeds from the Charity Gala will help fund the surgery for children with cleft conditions, to get the future they deserve. 

"This benefit gala is held in support of Operation Smile. It gives beauty platforms, like the Miss Asia Pacific International, a higher purpose. True beauty shines when rooted in compassion. This outreach project is for children who needed the most attention as we continue to be the reason that they continue to smile," intimated Atty. Eva Patalinghug at the onset of the public auction.

Some of the auctioned pieces included a Kenneth Cobonpue Yoda easy chair, a Vito Selma Reyna chair, and a John Herrera silk Duchess opera coat; aside from signature hand bags that were on display for the silent bids.

The Charity Gala was also a tribute to Cebuano creativity. A breathtaking fashion showcase of Philippine Terno creations, as worn by the official delegates of Miss Asia Pacific International 2025, paraded before supporters and spectators. 44 Cebu-based designers from the Clothes for Life organization garbed the candidates, together with last year's 2nd runner-up Selena Ali of Belgium and reigning queen Janelis Leyba of the United States, who were fabulously dressed by Cary Santiago.

"This is a gathering of shared vision and purpose, aside from promoting Cebu as a global destination. The Miss Asia Pacific International is a pageant that inspires transformation as well as uplift lives," intoned MAPI board of director member Tiffany Prima Tan.

Jana Jannsens of Belgium was adjudged as Best in Philippine Terno, while designer Alejandro Godinez Jr., who created Miss Philippines Anita Rose Gomez's stunning outfit, was named Best Designer.

Just as the gala ended, a 6.9 earthquake, caused by the Bogo Fault, rocked the ballroom. Fortunately, nobody was harmed. The Radisson Blu hotel staff calmly and efficiently herded the ballroom.guests, as well as the hotel guests outside of the building. There were four other tremors after but not as strong as the initial quake.

It was only Miss Belgium who experienced a sprain during the melee. She was rushed to the nearest hospital and was declared to have a sprain and not a fracture, as was feared by most. 

Luckily, Miss Nepal Prapti Rhanabat, who also fell from the ramp, on her way to the exit during the finale, did not hurt herself. Nor did Miss Peru, Michaela Willa Lazarte, who slid on the rain-drenched pavement while boarding off the bus. The following day, all the delegates hied off to the packing center to lend their hands in packing relief goods for distribution; including Miss Belgium who arrived in crutches.

The 42nd Miss Asia Pacific International coronation night will unfold on October 8 at the Cebu Coliseum. Outgoing titleholder Janelis Leyba of the United States will.crown her successor. Stay tuned!