Miss Universe 2023 Sheynnis Palacios' first-ever visit to the Philippines was one for the books. ICYMI: the Nicaraguan beauty queen spent a week in the Philippines during her Asia Tour as the reigning Miss Universe.
LOOK: Miss Universe 2023 Sheynnis Palacios Gets Emotional as She Receives Nicaraguan Flag
What struck most Filipinos and netizens from that eventful week was her final motorcade at the Mall of Asia. Sheynnis was seen turning emotional as she hugged a flag of her home country, Nicaragua. It was given by a fan who was among the hundreds of people who welcomed her at the event.
On Instagram, the Miss Universe Philippines organization posted their appreciation to those who attended Sheynnis's motorcade. "Thank you to all the supporters and fans who were there to let Sheynnis feel the true essence of Filipino warmth and hospitality. It was a parade fit for a Queen. Mabuhay, Miss Universe!" the organization wrote in their caption.
Why did Sheynnis Palacios turn emotional during her visit to the Philippines?
Sheynnis is the first Nicaraguan to be hailed as Miss Universe. Her win was a historical moment for Nicaragua, however, her success was not warmly welcomed in her country.
According to reports following her coronation in November 2023, Sheynnis was also banned from entering Nicaragua due to political conflict between the Nicaraguan government and the Miss Universe Nicaragua entourage.
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Along with Sheynnis, Miss Nicaragua national director Karen Celeberrti and her daughter were detained as soon as they landed at the Augusto C. Sandino International Airport in Managua, Nicaragua on November 23, 2023. Allegedly, Karen has been tagged as a critic of Nicaragua's current administration run by President Daniel Ortega and his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo.
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According to reports, the entourage of Sheynnis was accused of taking part in the opposition against the government. The Miss Nicaragua national director's home was reportedly probed and her husband was briefly held by authorities. According to the Miss Universe Philippines Organization (MUPH), they brought Sheynnis to Manila and welcomed her with a "homecoming" parade. This is to assure Sheynnis that she is welcome in the Philippines and that this can be her second home.
Netizens react to Sheynnis Palacios' emotional visit in the Philippines
Most netizens were surprised that Sheynnis was experiencing problems with her country. Some couldn't believe the beauty queen was banned from coming home to Nicaragua.
One netizen said, "Now ko lang nabasa kung bakit hindi siya makauwi sa Nicaragua. Ang saklap."
Another netizen noted how welcoming Filipinos would be, regardless of any controversy that happened in the past. "Kahit gaano ka-bitter mga Pinoy noon sa Top 10 controversy, at the end of the day, pageant lovers pa rin tayo. We're always welcoming towards any beauty queen..." the netizen's comment read.
More netizens came to comfort Sheynnis through their words online, empathizing with how the beauty queen must be longing for her home country. "It's heartbreaking that she's more welcome in other countries, especially the Philippines than her own country."
"She clearly misses her home country, Nicaragua," another wrote.
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