MAKATI CITY, Philippines — As the world celebrates Father’s Day on June 21, the reigning Miss World Philippines queens took turns singing praises for the most important men in their lives.
“If there’s anything that I know that sets my dad apart from the rest is that he really focuses on the things that he believes will help me throughout my life, which have,” Miss World Philippines Michell Dee said of her father Frederick.
“I may have grown up halfway across the world from him, but a big part of who I am now and how I carry myself is definitely thanks to him,” she told the Inquirer in an online interview.
Miss Eco Philippines Kelley Day said her dad, James, “is the most selfless person I have ever known, and probably will ever know.”
For Reina HIspanoamericana Filipinas Katrina Llegado, her father, Greg, is “the best dad in the world” because he is “hard-working.”
She continued: “Even with his very quiet and strict personality, his soft and loving spot will always be there for his family.”
Miss Multinational Philippines Isabelle de Leon, for her part, said her father, Dean, is “my biggest fan and critic. He introduced me to the world of music, and has such a wicked sense of humor.”
Miss Eco Teen Philippines Daena Resurreccion, meanwhile, said her dad, Morris, “ensures that his children will be wise and strong enough to handle challenges that may come.”
But for Miss Philippines Tourism Glyssa Perez, her father Fred’s “top love language is ‘act of service’.”
She explained: “He expresses his love to his family by working hard, picking up his loved ones even if it will take him hours.”
First runner-up Shannon Kerver, for her part, said her dad, Bert, “has taught me how and why I should live life to the fullest.”
She said he also taught her how to balance being fun and being serious, and has always supported her endeavors.
For second runner-up Kristi Banks, her dad, Sean, showed her tough love so she may learn things the hard way. “I have to acknowledge what I did wrong, and learn from it.”
This taught her to be strong, independent, and compassionate, she said.
“I know I don’t say this a lot, but I love you,” Banks said to her father, who she will visit to make up for her absence on his birthday last month because of the quarantine that the government imposed to address the COVID-19 pandemic.
Resurreccion will likewise pay her father a visit to celebrate. “As the youngest in the family, I look forward to this life event,” she said.
Llegado and De Leon said they will share a hearty meal with their respective families to celebrate.
Perez, who is in Australia where Father’s Day is celebrated in September, will still mark the day with her family through a sumptuous feast.
But for Day, Dee, and Kerver, who are forced by the pandemic to be away from their fathers, a virtual celebration is planned.
Kerver and Dee also said they are planning to send their dads something special to show their appreciation, while Day will extend her usual two- to three-hour calls with her father to five or six hours.
The pandemic has also extended the queens’ reigns.
The Miss World Philippines Organization said on social media that the 2020 competition has been tentatively set in December. Last year’s coronation night was held in September.