MANILA, Philippines - Valerie ‘Val’ Weigmann was named one of the 10 finalists for 2014 Miss World Beauty with a Purpose Award during the Charity Gala and Auction held Sunday evening, Nov. 30, at the Grosvenor House in London. Others who made it to the list were delegates from Indonesia, Kenya, Brazil, India, Guyana, South Africa, England, the Netherlands and Bolivia.
Val’s project, MusiKARAMAY, is an advocacy she had embraced even before she joined the Miss World- Philippines contest, to help indigenous people specifically the far-flung Aeta community in barangay Libayen, Mayontoc, Tarlac, who are considered one of the country’s earliest inhabitants. She collaborated with the Climax band where they played in various venues to raise funds and awareness of different causes including blind musicians, cancer-stricken children and Yolanda victims, among others. A month before she flew to London, Val and the Climax band celebrated their first anniversary through a benefit concert, MusiKARAMAY Para sa mga Katutubo — Building Lives Through Street Music.
Photos show Val in a Michael Cinco gown (far left) and a T’boli-inspired national costume (left) designed by Ivan Raborar ands Jesson Capuchino.
Incidentally, Val was chosen Miss Figlia during the Miss World-Philippines pageant at the Mall Of Asia (MPOA) Arena. This year, Figlia will continue to showcase the best collection of glittery pumps and sandals. — CELSO DE GUZMAN CAPARAS