With the dawn of a New Year, Sunday the 10th of February, day two in Manila was an important day for Miss World Chairman Julia Morley and Miss World Wenxia Yu, with several key engagements across the capital planned.

The early engagement was one steeped in tradition, and also bestowed much honour upon Julia Morley and Wenxia Yu, in being invited to participate in a wreath laying ceremony at one of the Philippines’ most important Shrines. Accompanying the Mayor of Manila Alfredo Lim, Julia Morley & Wenxia visited the Jose Rizal Shrine to lay wreaths during a ceremony in the late morning. The Shrine is dedicated to the Philippines National Hero Jose Rizal, an advocate of liberty through peaceful means, making him Asia’s first modern non-violent proponent of freedom.

After laying the wreaths, Mayor Alfredo Lim then presented both Julia Morley and Wenxia Yu with ceremony keys, bestowing upon them the honour of the Freedom of the City of Manila. This was a rare occasion, and indeed unique, in that it was the first time anybody has been granted the freedom to the city of Manila outside of a Parliament meeting. The keys were presented for the continued efforts of the Miss World Organisation in aiding and supporting key Filipino institutes, and the worldwide ambassadorial role that it plays in fostering understanding and cohesion between nations.

The day continued with the cutting of a ribbon, and the official opening of a new art exhibition. The Manila Hotel once again played Host to Miss World, where she unveiled a new Chinese Artwork exhibition in the host hotel of her stay.

The afternoon was what a lot of the local population of Manila had been waiting for, Miss World’s appearance at the SM Mall of Asia. With the promise of photos, autographs and a Q&A session, the Music Hall of the mall was packed to the rafters with fans wanting to see Miss World 2012 Wenxia Yu. Miss World did not disappoint, shaking hands with many of her fans, meeting groups of school children, and answering many questions.

With the auditorium applauding the end of the meeting, Miss World travelled on to greener pastures, to witness the Fila Polo Cup Finals. In the glorious sunshine, Miss World Chairman Julia Morley and Miss World Wenxia Yu were once again joined by Cory Quirino, Queeneerich Rehman, and Andrew Wolff to witness the sporting prowess of the horses and jockeys, as well as present the trophies to the day’s winners. It was also Butch Albert’s (head of Fila Philippines) birthday, so extra celebrations were in order.

The action packed day drew to an end with Philippines Chinese New Year’s Day Parade. In its 18th year running, this important event on the Pilipino calendar is celebrated by the Chinese and indigenous populations alike. With fantastic costumes, weaving dragons, and many stalls celebrating Chinese culture, it was one of the most anticipated events of the year, and it truly delivered.

Miss World Chairman Julia Morley & Miss World Wenxia Yu continued their busy schedule in the Philippines on Monday with a visit to the Philippines General Hospital.

The hospital was previously visited by Miss World 2010 Alexandria Mills on the last trip to Indonesia by Miss World delegates in 2011. On this trip Julia Morley met a young girl called Sunshine Sison, and her parents, in desperate need of aid. Lacking in finances and in urgent need of a heart by-pass, Sunshine’s situation was critical and Julia Morley understood this enough to intervene and provide the resources necessary for Sunshine to receive the medical care she needed.

Returning nearly two years later, Julia Morley was reunited with Sunshine and her family, who had the pleasure of meeting their second reigning Miss World too. Speaking with the doctors, everyone was delighted to find out that Sunshine's operation had been a complete success. The doctor said she has been recovering fantastically, and they couldn't have asked for a greater success story. Julia Morley was incredibly pleased to hear this great news, and the relief and gratitude from the whole family was heart warming.

Miss World also had the chance to speak to a strong willed young boy named Brave, who is currently battling Lymphoma. Speaking to Miss World, Brave said her visit to the hospital and her own personal story were an inspiration to him, and the time spent with him meant a lot to him. Deeply moved, Wenxia was overcome with emotions by this experience. Wenxia has exchanged email addresses with this spirited young boy, and said she will become his penpal during these hard times he is going through, to help raise his spirits and fight the illness.

Wenxia & Julia spent much time at the hospital, spreading warmth and happiness to the patients in its care, visiting the children’s ward and the maternity ward. The Hospital has long been a beneficiary of the fundraising activities of the Beauty With a Purpose charity.

The tour continues in the Philippines until the 13th of February, when Miss World will be travelling toThailand for some very exciting events, before travelling onto the host nation of Miss World 2013, Indonesia!