The headlines are fully loaded with the recent good deed that Miss Bulgaria Violina Ancheva did for pinay teen, Zyra Cifra. Zyra’s mother, Issay Gallano, had a hand on this experience as she was the one who immediately responded to Miss Bulgaria’s Facebook post on Jan. 30. This issue has recently been talked about more as bashers on social media say Zyra and the family didn’t deserve the gown because her family could indeed afford one.
Pilipinas Popcorn was able to get an exclusive interview with Issay Gallano via Facebook chat. Issay shares the story of how she felt when she and her daughter were chosen as the lucky recipients of the dress. She also says what she felt when they actually held the dress, her message to bashers on social media, and how this event changed their lives.
Lucky Mom and Teen Speak Out About Receiving Miss Bulgaria’s Gown
In Miss Bulgaria’s Facebook post on Jan. 30, she said she would give the blue gown she wore during the 65th Miss Universe Pageant by American designer Sherri Hill, to a girl in need that can’t buy a dress for her prom next month.
True enough, Miss Bulgaria chose her lucky winner and gave the blue gown to Issay, a single mother of two and her daughter, Zyra Cifra. The next day, Issay went to meet Miss Bulgaria at the Conrad Hotel.
What was the first thing in your mind when you knew Miss Bulgaria would give you the dress?
“Na-excite and una ko talagang naisip yun daughter ko na sana mabigay samen para meron na sya gown sa prom. Kaya nagchat agad ako kay Ms Violina after ko makita sa post ng cnn, rappler etc yun post nya na ddonate nya yun gown nya.”
What did you feel when you actually held the dress?
“Natutulala, kinakabahan, speechless kasi hindi talaga ako swerte sa mga ganyan, like sa mga raffle or anything na my prizes.”
Do you still communicate with Miss Bulgari? If yes, what did you talk about and what was the last the she said?
“Yes, meron parin communication. Sobrang nag-thank you kami sa mga nangyare, ininterview kami ng one of the tv network sa Bulgaria tapos nagbigay kami ng video message. Ito yung reply nya (Miss Bulgaria).”
“Thank you!Today I gave interview for Nova TV and I saw your video with Zyra
Thank you!I love you!You can’t imagine how happy I am! I hope that soon I will visit Philippines again and meet her (Zyra).”
Now that there are people on social media saying other people deserve it more than you, what do you think/feel? What would you want to say to them?
“Syempre, we feel sad pero everyone has the right naman to say their opinion. I respect them.”
Ever since news broke out about Issa and Zyra receiving Miss Bulgaria’s blue gown, netizens could not help but comment on the issue. They say Zyra did not deserve the gown since she and her family could afford it.
In a video sent to CNN Philippines, Miss Bulgaria answers bashers and said that the decision to give the dress to this girl (Zyra) was hers. She said, “It’s hard to believe that it is possible for somebody to write negative and rude comments to a 15-year-old girl. You have to respect my decision.”
Miss Bulgaria went on to say “You teach me that we have to be better person and one day, all of us can be in need. We have to be ready to help each other, not to be rude. People, please stop.”
How did this event in your life inspire you?
“This event awakened me again na we do need to trust Gods timing. Kahit gaano kahirap yun mga binibigay na pagsubok ng buhay never question God kasi he knows and you should trust gGd sa lahat ng plans niya for your life. At kahit sabihin pa ng lahat ng tao na wala kanang ginawang tama, lahat nalang mali, pero alam mo sa sarili mo na ginagawa mo lang yun para sa ikabubuti ng mga anak mo gawin mo.
For now hindi ko pa alam pano mkakatulong sa iba kasi sobrang short talaga kami pero sana mainspire sila sa ginawa ni Miss Bulgaria at sa sinabi nya dun sa interview sa CNN,
Sobrang ngpapasalamat sya (Zyra) kasi si Miss Bulgaria yung main reason sa lahat ng memorable experiences ng anak ko. Sobrang ittreasure nya to at sana sa future makatulong din sya sa mga nangangailangan.
Lahat ng tao pwede mangarap especially the girls basta be humble kung ano man matanggap nyo and always thank god, always look on the positive side sa lahat ng mga nangyayare. Respect everyone kasi hindi nyo alam kung ano talaga pinagdadaanan nila.”
Zyra Cifra will be wearing Miss Bulgaria’s Sherri Hill gown at her prom this month.