Napaiyak si Jojo Bragais nang panoorin niya sa Seminole Hard Rock Café & Casino ang preliminary competition ng 69th Miss Universe ngayong umaga, May 15, 2021, o Friday night sa Florida, USA.
Tears of joy iyon dahil ang kanyang proudly-Philippine-made shoes ang suot ng 74 official candidates sa Swimsuit at Long Gown competitions.
"I’m so happy I’m crying! We made it here on Miss Universe stage! Bragais shoes has arrived!” ang reaksiyon ni Jojo, na dumating sa Hollywood, Florida noong May 12, para bantayan ang rehearsals at saksihan ang preliminary competition at coronation night ng prestihiyosong pageant.
Ayon sa 29-year-old shoemaker and designer, walang naging problema sa mga sapatos na ginamit ng mga kandidata.
Tinutukan raw niya nang husto ang pagdisenyo, paggawa, at maging ang pagdeliver ng 327 pageant shoes.
"So far, wala naman problema. I made sure there are lots of extra pairs so when trouble arises, there are lot of shoes that can save them.
"I am just super excited that finally I saw my shoes on a global stage.
"I spoke with Ms. Paula Shugart [Miss Universe Organization president], and she’s very grateful I finished everything on time.
"Everyone from the organization was grateful."
Kaya sa bawat lakad kanina ng mga kandidata, nagbunyi si Jojo.
"I am very happy. I’m having the time of my life. I’m just enjoying," ang pahayag ni Jojo nang makausap siya ng Cabinet Files.