spot_img
28 C
Philippines
Thursday, March 28, 2024

A tete-a-tete with Mr. Universe

- Advertisement -

The annual Miss Universe is definitely not happening in Manila. But what’s definite though is that former Gov. Chavit Singson is still going to be a major partner of the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) in staging the annual beauty tilt. We might even see a candidate from North Korea sashay onto the stage of the world’s biggest pageant if things fall into their proper place.

Former Governor Luis "Chavit" Singson with Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach ( center) and MUO President Paula Shugart during a pre-pageant event in Manila in 2017.

In a fine afternoon at his residence at Corinthian Gardens last week, Mr. Universe, a moniker given to him when he partnered with MUO in staging the 65th edition of the pageant in Manila, the current Narvacan councilor confirmed that he had visited China, together with MUO President Paula Shugart, in an attempt to find the next venue for Miss Universe happening later this year.

“Apparently, we cannot hold the pageant in mainland China according to their government but they said we can hold it in Macau. We still have two other venues we are looking at – South Korea and Vietnam. It’s actually easier to hold the pageant elsewhere than to have it here in Manila, because it’s easy to get sponsors,” Singson told MS Entertainment.

He is more excited to visit South Korea again and see if the country can be a potential host.

“I have business interest in South Korea. I invested in a government-owned electric company called KEPCO. I am part of their expansion plans. But that’s not the reason why we are excited to hold the pageant in Seoul. If Seoul would host the pageant, North Korea will join,” the former governor assured.

- Advertisement -

“Kung nagagandahan kayo sa mga taga-South Korea, di hamak naman na mas magaganda ang mga taga-North Korea,” he added.

During our casual lunch with Singson, we greeted him advance happy birthday since he is turning 76 on Thursday and asked what’s with Miss Universe that makes him so involved that he’s even producing it for the second time.

“I’m doing this for a favor. They want me to produce it. Binibigay nila eh,” he answered. 

And since he kept on avoiding questions on politics (but maintained that he’s not aiming for any national post) and preferred questions about his participation in Miss Universe, someone asked if he has ever kissed one of the Miss Universe candidates alluding intentionally to the infamous kiss of the President with an OFW. 

“You are recording this interview,” he laughed and maintained that he enjoys entertaining Miss Universe candidates as much as he enjoys entertaining participants to the local beauty competition in Ilocos Sur, the only local pageant he supports.

In earlier reports, it said that staging the Miss Universe pageant will cost a major sponsor $15 million dollars and a non-refundable down payment must be made to initiate the partnership.

Singson said he could get sponsors who are willing to mount the pageant in any of the countries being considered. Additionally, Singson will no longer place any down payment since he already gained the trust of MUO.

Singson, who is going to produce this year's Miss Universe, flanked by the candidates of Miss Universe when the Manila hosted the biggest beauty tilt in January 2017.

“They no longer asked for that. They know how we do things when we mount the pageant here. That’s how they trust me,” he said.

Asked if Catriona Gray, the country’s bet for the Miss Universe crown this year, would have special treatment or an edge in winning the title, Singson said he’s leaving it to the judges.

‘‘I am not allowed to choose the winner. They don't allow someone from the Philippines to be a judge,’’ he ended.

- Advertisement -

LATEST NEWS

Popular Articles