Miss Universe 2023 Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua charmed the Filipinos with her beauty and grace during her first press conference in the Philippines held at the Newport World Resorts in Pasay City on May 2.

Dressed in a stunning white gown, Sheynnis greeted the Filipinos with native words, "kumusta," "mahal ko kayo," and "mabuhay!"

"Mahal kita, Pilipinas! Ako si Sheynnis Palacios. Ako si Miss Universo. I love you, Philippines!" said the first Nicaraguan Miss Universe when she greeted the Filipino media in her opening remarks.

During a welcome dinner on May 1, Sheynnis expressed her enthusiasm for the Filipino cuisine she tasted.

"Have you tried halo-halo? It's a delightful Filipino dessert that I adore. I've also enjoyed tasting beef mechado, menudo, and other Filipino delicacies," she shared.

Before the event ended, Sheynnis was offered to taste the local version of chicharon. After tasting it, she said: "Viva chicharon! Delicious!" She said it was close to her country's own.

Voltaire Tayag, Miss Universe Philippines Executive Vice President, welcomed Sheynnis and some officials of the Miss Universe Organization to the country.

"If it felt a little bit warmer in the middle of the night and last night, it's because the warmth that the Miss Universe Organization brought is phenomenal, and the warmth from the heart of Sheynnis Palacios is just simply phenomenal. 

"When she walked through NAIA last night at the airport, I first noticed how warm she was to the people because she said 'mabuhay' and 'maraming salamat' to all of them. The way that the Filipinos responded to her was heartwarming. 

"That's the quality of the Miss Universe. And we're happy to have you here. And we're very excited to take you around," Voltaire said.

Voltaire said the original plan was for Sheynnis to attend the grand coronation of the 2024 Miss Universe Philippines, which will be held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on May 22. But it didn't fit into her schedule.

Sheynnis has planned to participate in different activities during her visit to the Philippines. These include spending time with the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 candidates, participating in a photo shoot, and attending a homecoming parade at the SM Mall of Asia on May 5. She will be leaving Manila on May 6.

Inspiring women

When asked how she wanted to inspire other people worldwide, Sheynnis said: "I think God gave me the reason because being real is my essence. Be unique. Be real. Being you is how you connect with people. 

"How will you bring the message and feel like a family? It's all that I do, every single trip that I have. Like, be Sheynnis and enjoy this beautiful moment that the Miss Universe Organization gave me and what God gave to me and my people in Nicaragua," she said.

Sheynnis, 23, also reflected on the differences between five years ago and today.

"A lot (has been changed). Every day is a new opportunity to be a better person and to know more about you. And now I'm a woman. I'm a woman more than a queen. I want to leave a legacy. I want to help people around the world and help women because this is our time. 

"This is the time of women. So now, Sheynnis is happy with who she is. She's happy with her work as Miss Universe, but the most important thing is to be grateful to God for this moment in my life," the beauty queen said.

Her advice for aspiring Miss Universe. "You have to be yourself, but the most important thing is to be proud of being a Filipina. When you join Miss Universe in Mexico, say Filipinas with pride and love. So enjoy the moment." 

Missing Nicaragua

Since she was crowned Miss Universe 2023 in El Salvador in November, Sheynnis has not celebrated her victory with fellow Nicaraguans due to a tight schedule. But Sheynnis said she's hopeful she'll come soon.'

Sheynnis shared a sweet message to her countrymen. "I love you and hope to enjoy it with all of you very soon." 

The beauty queen is also excited about the homecoming parade organized by the MUPh at the MOA.

"I feel so happy. I feel so excited and grateful for the Miss Universe Philippines to make things happen. So thank you for that. I expect to enjoy that. My victory is not mine, but it's for all of you," she added.

Sheynnis also thanked her parents for educating her.

"Education is the base of everything. I grew up in a poor community in my country, but I feel so glad for my family because they gave me the most important thing in my life: education. 

"Prepare yourself by working hard for the future. You can do it if you work hard. And the most important thing is when someone tells you no, you remember you," she said.

Sheynnis recalled wanting to become a dancer when she was young. But things changed and she wanted to do something special for her family and her country.

On the legacy she wanted to leave as Miss Universe, Sheynnis quipped: "I want to be the people's queen."

Prior to Manila, Sheynnis visited Thailand, where she had a wonderful time.

"It's my first time in Asia, and the people are warm and humble. Every single person here makes me feel at home. They welcome me as if I am one of them. Thank you for this.

"I love your religion, and I respect every religion around the world. Thank you for this journey, for this gift from God. Miss Universe is more than having a crown and a sash. It's a big responsibility. Thank you Asia for making me feel at home," Sheynnis added.