A celebration of beauty, talent, and humanitarian cause took center stage at the 65th Miss Universe Governor’s Ball held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
The candidates, 86 of the ‘most beautiful women in the universe, all gorgeous and dressed elegantly posed, paraded and were introduced one by one on stage. Each of them shared a table with some of the very important personalities in the country.
Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo formally opened the evening’s program reminiscing the country’s rather long and difficult journey to hosting the Miss Universe. “When we started negotiations for the Philippine hosting of the Miss Universe pageant in Manila as soon as I started work with the Department of Tourism (DOT), there was one simple goal – to show the universe the best of our country, most particularly Filipino showmanship and hospitality.”
As the road to the crown nears, the Secretary adds, “Miss Universe 2016 in the Philippines will be our country’s crowning glory for many, many years with lasting memories and friendship of the candidates and families and friends with Filipinos.”
“Every day and night of activities here is getting better organized and better participated in … It’s an amazing Miss Universe 2016 and we join everyone in being proud for your accomplishments here, where we have the largest fan base. It will be with a heavy heart to bid farewell,” 15-year Miss Universe Organization (MUO) president Paula Shugart elaborates as she witnesses preparations unfolding before her eyes since the pageant’s kick-off events in December.
She disclosed how 2015 Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach brought up the idea of hosting Miss Universe in the Philippines. And together they turned to friends and the government to make their dreams come true so they can help empower women around the world through the pageant. Every support fell into place initially with the DOT and then, with the Luis “Chavit” Singson Group of Companies and other partners.
Dressed to the nines in elegant gowns and crisp tuxedos, the audience listened to Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson thanked local and foreign pageant partners with combined support of MUO in making the Philippine hosting here successful.
Hosted by DJ Joey Mead-King, the Governor’s Ball was a visual feast that featured different video presentations on Philippine tourist destinations, with marching bands, an international winning hip hop dance group, the University of the Philippines Madrigal Singers, among other local powerhouse performers.
Terry Allan Farris, president of the New York-based Pass It Forward, the official philanthropy arm of the MUO, was also present that night to thank everyone for their show of support in “creating a positive social movement to inspire everyone to pass kindness forward.” “Everyone has capacity to give with accountability and transparency,” Farris added.