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Friday, March 29, 2024

PH ready to host Miss Universe

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THE private sector has agreed to shoulder the cost of hosting the Miss Universe beauty pageant here next year, the Department of Tourism said Monday. 

Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon Teo made the announcement after her meeting with reigning Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach at her department in Makati City.

Teo made the announcement even as Leyte Rep. Yedda Marie Kittilstvedt-Romualdez, Miss Philippines-International in 1996, welcomed the country’s possible hosting of the next Miss Universe beauty pageant, saying it would be a big boost to tourism and encourage new investments.

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“If we will be able to host the next Miss Universe pageant in the country, this will make the Philippines a venue for more international events that would surely boost the tourism industry and attract additional investments,” Romualdez, wife of former Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez.

Courtesy call. Miss Universe 2016 Pia Wurtzbach takes a selfie with President Rodrigo R. Duterte after a courtesy call at MalacaÒang Palace on Monday.  MALACAÒANG PHOTO

The Tourism Department had earlier said that President Rodrigo Duterte had “approved in principle” the hosting of the Miss Universe beauty pageant in the country, but it had yet to confirm with the Miss Universe Organization. 

“We are really hopeful that the President will grant our request, especially now that the private sector has come together to shoulder the production cost of Miss Universe,” Teo said in her speech.

“This undertaking would practically entail no expense on the part of the government.” 

Teo said she was “overwhelmed” by the presence of the reigning Miss Universe, stressing that it was she who had “taken up the cudgels and leadership to make this happen.” 

“If this translates to reality, our tourism industry stands to gain tremendously,” Teo said.

“I’m so proud and grateful for the full support she is giving us in our effort to host the coming Miss Universe contest in the country.”

Wurtzbach said that she was “happy to be back home” since her last visit to the Philippines was during the coronation night of the Miss Philippines pageant in April. 

“It’s always been a dream of mine to be ambassador for the Philippines and to promote tourism. I will continue pursing that goal of being an ambassador as I go throughout my reign and visit different countries around the world,” Wurtzbach said.

“It’s no secret that it’s my personal dream and the dream of majority of the Filipinos that someday we’ll see the Miss Universe [pageant] held here and we’re keeping our fingers crossed.” 

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