“IN THE Philippines there are more than 110 million unique and equally beautiful smiles.”
That was Trisha O. Martinez speaking. She was Miss Tourism Philippines 2021. And she was a dentist.
She grew up having crooked teeth. “When it was fixed, that was the moment that I wanted to become a dentist, I wanted to fix people’s smiles too, and I wanted others to feel the same empowerment I felt when I found my confidently beautiful smile.”
To give pro-bono dental care and volunteering in dental missions brings her joy “unlike any other,” she said in an Instagram post.
Her passion and “desire to share my smile” inspired Trisha and friends to co-found a non-profit organization providing life-changing smiles through oral rehabilitation: “The Smile Initiative Philippines”.
Trisha O. Martinez, 23, of Pila, Laguna, was crowned Miss World Philippines 2021 on Oct. 3, 2021.
A graduate of the College of Dentistry of the University of the East in Manila, Trisha was also Miss University of the East 2018.
Candidate No. 27, Trisha bested 44 other who competed for seven titles, including Miss World, Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas, Miss Eco Philippines, Miss Eco Teen Philippines, Miss Environment, and Miss Multinational.
When asked what advice or message she can give the new generation of voters, Trisha answered: “In this time of crisis, my advice to people is that to keep on going on.
“We all have dreams and at this time, we might feel that our dreams are on hold but they’re not gone. With grit and determination, those dreams will become a reality. Just hold on.”
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(Dr. Joseph D. Lim is the former Associate Dean of the College of Dentistry, University of the East; former Dean, College of Dentistry, National University; Past President and Honorary Fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy; Honorary Fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists; and Honorary Life Member of the Thai Association of Dental Implantology. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515./PN
