Former Ilocos Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson is both proud and happy to be one of the major sponsors of the 2017 Miss Universe beauty pageant to be held in the Philippines.
“Yes, it’s almost 80 percent sure that we will host next year’s edition of the prestigious beauty tilt which date will be on Jan. 30. What’s lacking are the formalities. Actually, even before our recent elections, I was already in talks with the Miss Universe Organization. They requested me to take a huge and active part in the implementation of the grand project. I committed right away since I know this will be very good for our tourism. It’s also one way to show my support to the Duterte administration,” he reveals.
A whopping $12 M is what’s needed in order to mount the production of what is considered the biggest beauty pageant in the world.
“That’s true! Well, it really entails a very huge amount to cover such popular event. For this gargantuan venture, I’m partnering with the Department of Tourism headed by Ms. Wanda Teo plus the private sector, which I’m personally coordinating. We are all working hard to come up with the said amount. This will be a big help to our government because it will not shell out money for this event.
“So, we’re asking support from various NGO’s (non-government organizations), my companies and other private groups which has resources. Mr. Tonyboy Cojuangco is with me in this endeavour. Also extending their support are Mr. Henry Sy of SM who agreed for the Mall of Asia (MOA) to be used in one of the huge activities of the pageant. And so does the big hotels and the leading casinos like Kazuo Okada’s team, Resorts World, Solaire and City of Dreams which all pledged to help in the accommodations of the candidates and their respective entourage, the media and other important guests. They’ll be staying in the country for almost a month.”
Converted to Philippine peso, the total budget will reach P500 million.
“And it’s a very huge amount, right? We’re not expecting that we will earn out of this. Of course, we’ll have sponsors but looking at the amount, it’s difficult to grow your capital. But we don’t mind since all of our local businesses will have exposure in the proceedings,” states Chavit.
It is reported that for the Miss Universe beauty pageant, his team will also prepare various modes of transportation to be used by the candidates.
“That’s right! We have a 148-seater plane, luxury buses and a mega yacht! The two-decker yacht is made in Italy and will be delivered here from Spain. It’s designed by the world-renowned yacht designer Alpha Marine. As for its name, we’re still choosing between ‘Miss Universe’ and ‘Happy Life,’ the title of my upcoming travel show.”
Expectedly, Vigan will be featured in the pageant as one of the pageant’s main destinations.
“Oh yes! Especially that it’s officially declared as one of the New Seven Wonder Cities of the World. But we agreed that we split destinations, like one preliminary event can be held in Vigan while another one is being staged simultaneously in Davao. I don’t think one province can accommodate everybody,” ends Chavit.
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Jodi Sta. Maria nixes reports that allegedly, she and Cavite Vice-Governor Jolo Revilla are back in each other’s arms once again.
“There’s no truth to that!” she says. “I believe Jolo also cleared that in one of his recent interviews.”
It all started when Jolo posted photos of the two of them together in his Instagram account weeks after they announced their break-up.
“Oh, that? For one, Jolo and I remain friends until now. I admit that we still hang-out once in a while, but what’s wrong with that, right? It’s normal for friends.”
Because of this, many believe that a reconciliation is not far behind.
“Well, at this point, I just enjoy what I have. I don’t want to be under pressure with anything, including matters of the heart,” avers Jodi.