Other nationalities vie for Filipino-run beauty and charity titles

It's just one of the Filipino-organised beauty contests in the community and all the reasons for holding them are ever present - searching for beauty, boosting self-confidence, fund-raising for charity work, developing talents, and empowering young women.

Now on its second year, Miss Sydney NSW and Charity Queen is quite unique as this year's competition featured a more diverse lineup.

All candidates are residents of Australia-one is originally from Eritrea, the second is from neighbouring Ethiopia and the third is from Ivory Coast. The three ladies join the other Filipino hopefuls in the quest to be a  beauty title holder.

The seven candidates visited our SBS studio to share their journeys.