At
the heart of her story is an ardent advocacy to promote the total development of
children of the marginalized poor through a foundation which is the reason for
her being where she is right now.
This is the journey of Filipino-French beauty
Gwendolyne Bolivar Fourniol, a top contender to the Miss World Philippines 2022
crown. 
Born to a Filipina
mother and a French father, Gwen as she is fondly called, says that joining the
pageant will provide her with a relevant platform for Educational
Research and Development Assistance (ERDA) Foundation,
a non-stock, non-profit organization that has been instrumental in alleviating the
plight of underprivileged children through education as well physical, social
and economic aid for 40 years.
Why is ERDA special to
the heart of this 5’8”, 21-year-old stunner? “My mother, Sim Bolivar, was very
poor,” she shares. ERDA saved her mom from poverty and gave her access to
education, finishing with an AB Psychology Degree at Philippine Women’s University.
“Eventually, she had the opportunity to work abroad where she met my dad who is
a senior analyst.
Full circle
In a sense, her mom’s story
has come full circle. “ERDA gave my mom a chance at a better future. Her being
able to leave a life of deprivation led to her meeting my dad. I am blessed to
have been born with parents who have been very supportive. Now is my chance to
give back, to explore ERDA as a medium through which I can make a difference in
the lives of people deprived of education as my mom was,” Gwen narrates. “I couldn’t
think of a better advocacy than this, because in a way, I owe my life to
ERDA!" Gwen said. That is why she is very active at charity projects espoused
by ERDA now that she is based in the Philippines.
Beauty with purpose
Miss World Philippines is
a pageant that is not just about face and beauty but also about advocacy. Essentially,
it is beauty with purpose.
Physically, pageant enthusiasts refer to Gwen’s beauty
as unfiltered, oftentimes describing her face as the most beautiful among all 36 candidates
(a lovely mix of the features of Audrey Hepburn, Rhian Ramos and Anne Curtis).
Adding
to her exceptional physical features are her accomplishments and talents. Before joining her first Miss World
Philippines pageant last year, Gwen was pursuing an Economic degree at Oxford
Brooks in London in the UK. She hopes to join an internship program with JP
Morgan after
graduation, and is also looking towards launching a French tutorial service in
the Philippines. She speaks, French, English
and Filipino and loves to play the guitar and the piano.
Add her noteworthy advocacy at ERDA to the equation
and you have beauty that has substance and purpose.
Another
shot at the Miss World title
Gwen is supported by ProMedia, a project
management group that is passionate about wholistic beauty (body, beauty, and
brains). At its helm is CEO Paul Izon Reyes, ably assisted by Jam Aquino, director
for operations. Aquino is also the CEO of The Belle Salon. “We, at ProMedia,
stage beauty pageants and body-building competitions. We also train beauty
pageant athletes, so called because they are required to train like athletes,”
explains Paul. “We see the true beauty in Gwen. She has a striking face, inner strength,
wit and confidence. Furthermore, she is passionate about her advocacy which enhances
her beauty.”
This is Gwen’s 2nd shot at the Miss
World title representing Negros Occidental, after finishing strong as one of
the 15 semi-finalists last year.
An early favorite at this year’s competition,
Gwen earned a much-deserved spot among the Top 10 Beach Beauty finalists held
in Boracay last May 17. She also was a Top 5 in this year’s Talent Competition.
A portent of good things to come, perhaps? Because she is back, more beautiful
and passionate than ever.
Gwen
hopes that with the Miss World crown, this #ExceptionallyEmpoweredFilipina can empower
people through education which is the greatest equalizer. “If one person can transform 800,000
lives in this country, imagine what so many people can do to help millions more
in the Philippines and around the world.”
Watch the Miss World Philippines 2022 Beauty
Pageant on June 5 at the Mall of Asia Arena. Gwendolyne Fourniol is candidate No.
25.
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