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| Mr World 1st Runner Up Fernando Alvarez gets hugged back by Pinays. |
By Marites Palma
Around 50 Filipino domestic workers got a warm hug from Mr World 1st Runner Up 2016 Fernando Alvarez at Bridal Tea Hotel in Yau Ma Tei on Nov. 13.
The migrant workers who were all women, said they felt better and happier after hugging the second most desirable man in the world, who also happened to look really compassionate.
Most affected of all was a 59-year-old cancer patient, who was due to undergo surgery the next day at the Pamela Youde Nethersole Hospital in Chaiwan.
Faith (not her real name), who is single, told Alvarez while hugging him, “Ang gwapo gwapo gwapo mo talaga Fernando!” To her amazement, he replied, “Salamat”, a Tagalog word he must have picked up on the way to the meet-and-hug.
A fun contest was held along the way, with Lhanz Quin being declared as winner in the best hug challenge.
Alvarez told the women that coming to Hong Kong was a dream come true, as nobody in his family and even his circle of friends, has ever set foot in the territory.
Asked by The SUN as to why he decided to have a hugging session with overseas Filipino workers, he said he wanted them to feel love so they could be motivated, and could spread the good vibes around.
When the conversation turned to the killings being committed in the Philippines in the name of the government’s anti-drug campaign, Alvarez said that while it is a good initiative to eradicate drugs, it is not right to kill anyone in its name. As a Christian, he believes every life is precious in God’s eye, and that everyone deserves a second chance.
However, he was quick to say that he feels safe in the Philippines, despite the ongoing anti-drugs campaign. He said that he was won over by the Filipinos’ good heart, from the frequent visits he has made to the country.
Alvarez said he has been to the Philippines four times, and has stayed there a total of three months. He was so impressed by Boracay that he regards it as the most beautiful island he has seen in his life. He has also been over by the country’s unique culture and incomparable lifestyle.
He has been so taken by the country’s beautiful places and people that he is eyeing to stay there for a longer time, and maybe land a lead role in a teleserye. The 22-year-old Puerto Rican says he has no girlfriend at the moment, as he broke up with his last one only last February.
His visit to Hong Kong was organized by Mickey Sorra with the Panay Overseas Workers Association, through the initiative of Jaime Acosta from Psamstre Incorported
