Janella Joy Cuaton inspires kids with fashion advocacy

Miss World Philippines 2017 candidate Janella Joy Cuaton is one lady who has big heart for children.

That's why her advocacy focuses on helping kids build their confidence through workshops and other worthwhile activities.

Long before she competed in pageants here and abroad, Cuaton has already established a special project for children dubbed "Passion Meets Fashion."

At the presentation of her advocacy video for Miss World Philippines 2017 held at Stockpile in Ortigas City, Cuaton said: "Passion Meets Fashion" is a fund-raising event which I started in Doha, Qatar in 2015. I train young girls to develop self confidence, workshops, training and fashion shows.

"After that we have a gala night and proceeds of the program are given to a certain school here in the Philippines.

"For our first project in 2915, we were able to help 1,200 students in St. Bernard, Southern Leyte, my father's hometown. We were able to give food, school supplies, and of course vitamins. I was 15 that time, long before I joined the pageants.

"In 2016, our second project was in Iloilo for the home for the aged at the Asilo de Molo. For our  third project, we extended help both for public and private wards at the National Children's Hospital in Quezon City.

"This year,  we chose the Igang Elementary School in Masbate because it's the first time that they received assistance from a private group.

"As you can see, kailangang-kailangan nila na ma-develop 'yung facility. Imagine, one comfort room for more than 400 students. Yung iba walang slippers. I hope the others would also help the school.

Before MWP, Cuaton was crowned Mutya ng Pilipinas 2015 Tourism International. She represented the Philippines at the Miss Tourism International contest and won first-runner up during the pageant held in Cambodia in 2016.

Cuaton is a fashion model from Qatar. Her mom is a nurse while her father is an executive in a bank. She also dreams of having her own restaurant someday. She is being groomed for the pageant by Rodgil Flores of the Kagandahang Flores beauty camp.

Thirty-five girls are competing in this year's Miss World Philippines pageant. Could Cuaton be the next Miss World Philippines? Find out as the new winner is crowned at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sept 3, 2017. - ROBERT REQUINTINA