Another beauty titleholder has brought pride to the Philippines. Meet Agnes Padao-Jakosalem, a grandmother from Dapitan, who was named Mrs. Grandma Universe 2017 in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Even before she joined the pageant, where she bested 14 other representatives from all over the world, she knew what cause she wanted to advocate. She shares in an interview with Rappler, that she saw the need for grandparents to “continue on taking care of the young, (their) grandchildren.”
“Filipinos traditionally focus on taking care of the old, but we grandparents should also fill in on the little but important things that modern-day parents, who in their daily struggles to earn a living, may have missed imparting to their kids, like values and how to deal with the realities of life,” she said, adding that in doing so grandparents can impart life’s “true joys” and how to cope with both the good and the bad. “And most of all the value of friendship,” she added.
This motivation possibly stemmed from her closeness to her 7-year-old grandaughter, Kesaira, who encouraged her to join the pageant.
Despite encountering obstacles, such as not having enough funds and visa issues, she pressed on, thanks to her supportive granddaughter, who inspired her to find a way.
Prior to the pageant, they were asked to write something about grandparenting, shared Agnes.
Through what she wrote, Agnes emphasized the need for grandparents to draw from both the past and present, teaching kids, for instance, to appreciate gadgets just as much as they enjoy outdoor play.
“And when they go out to the world on their own, we will be assured that they will survive, and hopefully they will also teach their children and grandchildren what we passed on to them…”
“And when they go out to the world on their own, we will be assured that they will survive, and hopefully they will also teach their children and grandchildren what we passed on to them,” Agnes explained, stressing the importance of imparting values, which is something the education system often overlooks.
During her reign, the beauty queen plans to rally her fellow grandparents, building a community where they can share experiences and learn from one other in order to raise grandchildren with good, lasting values.
READ: Maxine Medina’s mom: “Win or lose, you’ll always be my Miss Universe”
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