Not even the intermittent weather could break the Sinulog festive spirit in Cebu City as the Queen City of the South hosted one of the much-awaited ancillary events of the 65th Miss Universe competition – the swimsuit presentation.
Sinulog dancers dressed in colorful Filipiniana as they moved gracefully to the strong drumbeat greeted the 86 candidates upon their arrival at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport.
Hundreds of Cebuanos, wearing their own versions of the Miss Universe crown, lined up the streets waiting for the candidates to pass by.
The ladies were gathered to strut the catwalk and to show off their swimwear at the Jpark Island Resort and Waterpark in Lapu-Lapu City.
In her speech, Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Wanda Corazon Tulfo-Teo expressed her admiration for the unique beauty of the city.
“No wonder Cebu is always picked as one of the top ten islands in the world. It’s because you have world-class destinations like this one,” she said.
She also reiterated her commitment to making the Philippine hosting a very successful one.
“As I’ve said before, we’d like the 65th Miss Universe competition to be among the most entertaining and most memorable for everyone,” said Teo.
Shawn McClain, Miss Universe Organization vice president for Business Development and Marketing, thanked Teo for putting the Philippines in a very positive light to the whole world.
“This will not happen without her leadership and support, it is a true privilege to get to know a wonderful country with a wonderful people. There is just a different feeling that you can’t compare with other countries, there is an immediate warmth,” said McClain.
After the swimsuit presentation in Cebu, the candidates will be off to Baguio City for the Panagbenga Festival.
