Out of all the 13 candidates, Miss Indigenous Peoples representative Marian Frietz Padpad won the ‘Darling of the Press’ title in Miss Palawan Universe 2022 Press Conference held earlier at Aziza Hotel Paradise.
The Darling of the Press expressed her gratitude towards the people who have been supporting her since day one.
“Sa mga nagtiwala po sakin, na naniwala, at sa mga lahat ng mga taong sumuporta sakin from the start—yung iba hindi ko kilala, nagsasabi lang na “katutubo rin kami gusto ka naming suportahan”’, maraming salamat,” she said.
“Alam ko hindi tayo magkakadugo, hindi tayo magkakalahi, pero through our ethnic origin, through sa indigenous peoples’ community, nag-iisa tayong lahat. Maraming salamat po,” the darling further stated.
Being asked about her initial reaction after being hailed with the award, she said that she did not expect it because she did not know much about the current issues of today and that her answers were solely based on her experiences in life.
“Actually, bago ako sumali dito, ang dami kong naririnig na ang katutubo ay walang place sa malalaking patimpalak, na kami daw po ay tamang sa bundok or sa palengke niyo lang makikita which is napakasakit,”
With her recent win, she also recalled how her fellow natives are often questioned about how they are usually smart in conversing.
“Sinabi ko na lang na nakapag-aral kami, edukado kami. Gusto kong ipakita sa lahat na yung mga katutubo, hindi na kami yung tinitignan niyo before, may place na kami dito,” she elaborated as she also continued to express her gratefulness for the Miss Palawan Charities Inc. for giving her a chance to represent their ethnicity.
The coronation night for Miss Palawan Universe 2022 will take place on the 26th of February, although the rest of the details are yet to be announced.