Smile Train and Miss Cosmo Queens Bring Hope and Confidence to Children With Cleft Conditions

From heartfelt conversations to inspiring smiles, a meaningful visit in Marikina City brought together beauty queens, healthcare advocates, and children whose lives have been transformed through accessible cleft care.

Global cleft-focused organization Smile Train partnered with Miss Cosmo for a special outreach event at St. Vincent General Hospital, shining a spotlight on cleft care awareness, hope, and the power of community support.

The event gathered international pageant queens, healthcare partners, patients, and families for an uplifting day dedicated to children born with cleft lip and palate conditions. Present during the visit were Miss Cosmo 2025 Yolina Lindquist, Miss Cosmo 2025 Runner-up Chelsea Fernandez, Miss Cosmo 2024 Runner-up Mook Karnruethai Tassabut, along with newly crowned Mister and Miss Cosmo Philippines 2026 Enzo Bonoan and Ysabella Roxas Ysmael.

Throughout the visit, the queens spent time interacting with Smile Train patients and their families, sharing moments of encouragement and joy. Hospital tours and discussions with local medical teams also gave them a closer look at how free cleft surgeries and long-term comprehensive care continue to change lives across the Philippines.

Held at one of Smile Train’s trusted local partner hospitals, the event highlighted the importance of early intervention, quality healthcare access, and stronger awareness for children living with cleft conditions. More than a simple hospital visit, it became a celebration of inclusion, confidence, and second chances.

“Every child deserves the confidence to smile, speak, and live fully,” said Joel Flores, Area Director for Southeast Asia at Smile Train. “Through this partnership with Miss Cosmo, we hope to amplify awareness for cleft care and celebrate the resilience of every child and family we serve.”

The outreach also marked the first public appearance of newly crowned Miss Cosmo Philippines 2026, Ysabella Roxas Ysmael, who expressed admiration for Smile Train’s mission.

“What Smile Train is doing is not only helping people, but changing lives,” she shared. “Just the chance for someone to smile better can already make such a big difference in their life. Thank you, Smile Train, for doing what you do, and we can’t wait to be part of it.”

Mister Cosmo Philippines 2026 Enzo Bonoan also reflected on the emotional impact of the visit, saying that seeing organizations and medical professionals work together to help children gain confidence and a better future proves that genuine change is happening.

For years, Smile Train has continued empowering local healthcare professionals and medical institutions through sustainable cleft care programs. Beyond free surgeries, the organization provides essential treatments and long-term support that help children thrive from diagnosis to recovery.

The Marikina visit stood as a touching reminder that compassion, advocacy, and healthcare can come together to create brighter futures, one smile at a time.