Viral: Filipina single mom claims Miss Bulgaria’s gown for daughter’s prom

MANILA, Philippines — A lucky Filipina single mother got to claim the evening gown of Miss Bulgaria 2016 Violina Ancheva.

Ancheva earlier offered her blue glittery gown made by famed designer Sherri Hill to Filipinos. For her, it is important to pass on her gown.

She made the announcement on her Facebook account before she leaves the Philippines.

In her announcement, Ancheva said she wants to give her gown to a girl in need of a dress for her prom and asked interested parties to send her a personal message.

Ancheva’s giveaway post earned 172,000 reactions, over 28,000 shares and more than 13,000 comments. Filipinos got delighted of her offer.

Among those who sent Ancheva a message was a Filipina single mother of two, Issa Gallano. She said she wanted to surprise her 15-year-old daughter, Zyra Nicole Cifra, who will attend prom this month.

"I was checking my SSS (Social Security System) already so I can buy her a dress because she really wanted a memorable prom this year. And then this necklace, I'm ready to pawn this just to add to the budget," Gallano said in a televised interview with CNN.

Gallano then posted photos of her and her daughter extending their gratitude to Ancheva. The Bulgarian beauty queen also asked her to send a video of her daughter’s reaction who was still in school when she claimed the gown.

In December 2015, Filipino netizens also noticed and praised Miss Bulgaria 2015 Radost Todorova and her gesture. Todorova pushed Pia Wurtzbach to claim the Miss Universe crown after Steve Harvey mistakenly mixed up the proclaimed winners.

She was tagged by netizens as a “pambansang bestie.” — Rosette Adel