I was one of those who were given the chance to meet the Miss Universe 2016 candidates up close. This was why I was surprised by critics claiming that Miss Canada Siera Bearchell was too fat to be in the beauty pageant.
On Jan. 18, I was one of those who attended the dinner party at Cordillera Conventionall Hall, Baguio Country Club in Baguio City, Philippines. Hosted by Miss Universe 2011 third runner-up Shamcey Supsup, the event was attended by Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, Miss Universe Organization president Paula Shugart and Miss Universe 2016 host committee chairman Chavit Singson.
Some Miss Universe 2016 candidates participated in the event including Miss France Iris Mittenaere, Miss Haiti Raquel Pelissier and Miss Colombia Andrea Tovar. The three eventually won Miss Universe 2016, first runner-up and second runner-up, respectively.
What was not reported by the media about the dinner party in Baguio City was how the guests loved Bearchell. Conspicuously, several fans approached her to take selfies with her. There were so many fans trying to have a photo with her I was not able to have my turn.
And no, Bearchell is not fat at all in person. She may be a little bigger than most of the contestants but the difference is not that significant.
Still, whether or not Bearchell is as skinny as the typical Miss Universe candidate should not matter. She is gorgeous inside and out and that naturally comes out when you meet her in person.
Failing to win the third Miss Universe crown for Canada, Bearchell was not able to follow Karen Dianne Baldwin and Natalie Glebova's footsteps. However, the attention given to body image and fat-shaming because of Bearchell was definitely a success.
In an interview with Phil Star, Bearchell said she was not pressured by bashers. For her, she had been herself the whole time.
Recently, Bearchell said goodbye to the Philippines and her 85 new friends, her fellow Miss Universe 2016 candidates. Back in Canada, Bearchell is participating in the Eating Disorder Awareness Week, an inaugural running from Feb. 1 to Feb. 7 organized by the government of Saskatchewan aimed to combat eating disorders.
"If you're not confident with who you are and you struggle with your own body image, things can certainly take a turn for the worst and your mental health can take over," Bearchell Moose Jaw Times. "It can quickly go from a little negativity to seeing yourself in a different light that's not even real."
Have a glimpse of the Miss Universe 2016 event in Baguio here:
(Disclaimer: Views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of Yibada.)