This article was posted on March 16, 2026, on Manila Standard.
Three reigning Miss Universe titleholders from China, Turkey, and India stepped off the global stage and into one of the Philippines’ most under-resourced communities to bring beauty and goodwill in equal measure.
The visit, organized by PlayTime Entertainment’s corporate social responsibility arm, PlayTime CARES, took the queens to Project Pearls in Tondo, Manila. The foundation works to uplift children and families living in extreme poverty through nutrition, education, and skills programs.
“For the delegates, this was not just ceremonial,” said Krizia Cortez, director of public relations for PlayTime Entertainment. “It was a reminder that entertainment, at its highest form, connects people and inspires action.”
During the visit, the queens engaged with children through arts, creative play, and basic literacy exercises. They also participated in Project Pearls’ G.R.O.W. (Giving Resources and Opportunities to Women) program, learning how women in the community use upcycled materials to make accessories and small goods, while interacting directly with participants.
The event underscores the growing trend of entertainment platforms leveraging global influence for social impact. PlayTime CARES, in partnership with the Miss Universe Organization, aims to show that visibility and engagement can complement traditional aid, offering recognition and dignity to communities often overlooked.
“Seeing our communities witness these delegates embrace the children in real time was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do,” Cortez added.
The outreach shows how pageant platforms can extend beyond stages and screens to create meaningful change, demonstrating the intersection of entertainment, empathy, and grassroots action.
