It's Official - Miss Universe 2016 will be held in Manila, Philippines!
Thursday, November 03, 2016
The Department of Tourism (DOT) finally confirmed that the Philippines will be hosting the Miss Universe pageant next year after earlier reports of cancellation.
In a televised press briefing, Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo said they were able to convince the organizers to hold the international beauty tilt in Manila, which is slated on Jan. 30 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
“After all that’s been said and done, I happily welcome on behalf of the DOT the latest announcement of the Miss Universe Organization through Pia Wurtzbach that finally the Philippines will indeed play host to the much awaited 2016 Miss Universe pageant,”
Teo said.
“This is one proud moment for all of us Filipinos to be a witness to the reigning Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach of Cagayan De Oro as she takes her final walk and passes her crown in her home country, the Philippines,” she added.
Teo said a popular celebrity in the United States with Filipino blood will perform in the pageant in Manila. She also confirmed that Steve Harvey will return as host and reiterated that the Philippine government will not spend in organizing the pageant as promised by President Rodrigo Duterte.
The Tourism chief said Davao, Palawan, and Iloilo will be featured in pageant events and photoshoots, but added that they were also looking to feature other places in the country aside from the usual tourist spots.
The DOT is coordinating with local government units, the Philippine National Police, and the Department of Transportation, Teo added.
“Road to Miss Universe 2017,” a reality-documentary show featuring the Philippines’ penchant for beauty pageants will air over TLC on November 6, at 7:30 p.m. The weekly program will be hosted by 2010 Miss Universe 4th Runner-up Venus Raj and 2011 Miss Universe 3rd Runner-up Shamcey Supsup-Lee.
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