Reigning Miss Universe Sheynnis Palacios' emotional parade in the Philippines
Miss Universe 2023 Sheynnis Palacios received a grand welcome motorcade on Sunday, May 5 at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex in Pasay City.
The beauty queen from Nicaragua arrived in the Philippines on May 1 as part of her Asia Tour and as a special guest of the Miss Universe Philippines organization.
Fans flocked to MOA to give her the warmest Filipino welcome. The reigning Miss Universe became emotional when she was handed the Nicaraguan flag during her parade.
To recall, Sheynnis has not been back to her home country since winning the 72nd Miss Universe last November in San Salvador, El Salvador.
Fun fact, she not only became the first Nicaraguan woman to become Miss Universe but also the first to win one of the major international pageants.
But, her historic victory was controversial in Nicaragua, due to the images of her participation years ago in protests against Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega.
Also, Miss Universe Nicaragua national director Karen Celebertti has been banned from returning home. She eventually stepped down from her post and became the new director of talent development for the Miss Universe Organization.
It is not known when or if Sheynnis will return home to celebrate her victory with her countrymen whom she gave so much pride and honor on the international stage.
During Sunday's parade in the Philippines, she expressed her love and gratitude to Filipinos for their continued love and support during her reign as Miss Universe.
Photos: Miss Universe Philippines / Instagram