Gov’t steps up preparations for Miss Universe; Maxine’s parents upbeat
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by Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos, Genalyn D. Kabiling, and Robert R. Requintina
The safety, security, and convenience of the public and the candidates of the 65th Miss Universe pageant in Manila were ensured by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) yesterday.
Malacañang has likewise directed government agencies to extend full support to the forthcoming international event.
Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, however, reminded state agencies to avoid spending public funds for the country’s Miss Universe hosting unless required.
Miss Universe Philippines 2016 Maxine Medina. (Jay Ganzon | Manila Bulletin)
In a related development, the parents of Binibining Pilipinas – Universe Maria Mika Maxine Medina, last Tuesday boldly said that they are positive that their daughter will inherit the crown from reigning Miss Universe and fellow Filipina Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach.
The 65th Miss Universe Pageant will be held at Mall of Asia Arena on January 30.
NO THREAT, PUBLIC DISCOMFORT
PNP Executive Officer Sr. Supt Emmanuel Licup said the PNP will strictly implement security measures to prevent untoward incidents.
Licup, in a press briefing at the Department of Tourism (DOT) head office in Makati City, also said that as of press time, PNP has not received any threats in relation to the pageant.
DOTr Assistant Secretary Cherie Mercado also assured the public of smooth traffic flow and that there will be no road closures during the pageant.
“[DOT] Secretary Wanda [Teo] and President Duterte made it clear that they don’t want the Miss Universe pageant to cause discomfort to the public,” she said.
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Emily Padilla also assured the DOT that local government units will help secure the candidates, organizers and the public, and manage traffic situation during the pageant.
UNIVERSE ITINERARY
Secretary Teo announced some of the provinces and cities that will be visited by the Miss Universe candidates.
Included in the list are Boracay on January 14, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur on January 15, Manila on January 16, Cebu on January 17, Baguio City on January 18, and Davao and Batangas on January 19.
According to Teo, Albay was scrapped from the list due to the recent typhoon.
Tourism Undersecretary Kat de Castro said officials of the Miss Universe Organization will arrive in the country today, January 5.
Forty Miss Universe candidates are expected to arrive in the country next Thursday while the rest of them will arrive on January 13. They will also meet with President Duterte on January 23.
TICKET PRICES
De Castro revealed that DOT has been receiving numerous inquiries regarding the steep price of coronation night admission tickets.
She assured pageant fanatics that they will get cheaper tickets for the national costume show.
She said tickets for the national costume show will be as low as P500, although the venue for the said event is yet to be disclosed.
PERSONALITIES
According to De Castro, American host Steve Harvey will return to serve as the pageant’s main host despite last year’s controversy where he inadvertently announced the name of Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez as Miss Universe instead of Wurtzbach.
The identity of Harvey’s Filipina co-host will be announced soon, she said.
She also disclosed that some of the artists being tapped to perform during the pageant are singers Lea Salonga, Sarah Geronimo, Bamboo, and Jed Madela.
ALL-OUT PALACE BACKING
“All heads of departments, bureaus, offices, agencies or instrumentalities of the government, including state-owned or controlled corporations (GOCCs) and state universities and colleges (SUCs) are hereby enjoined to extend their full support for the hosting of the Miss Universe in coordination with the Department of Tourism (DOT),” Memorandum Circular No. 13 issued by Medialdea read.
“Except for such reasonable resources required in providing support for the hosting of the Pageant, no public funds shall be expended for the hosting of the 2016 Miss Universe pageant,” it added.
Medialdea acknowledged that the Miss Universe pageant would bring “international prestige, publicity, goodwill, and economic benefit to the country.”
PARENTS’ PRIDE AND JOY
“I know Pia will crown her,” said Marife, Maxine’s mother of during a surprise party for her beauty queen daughter in Quezon City.
Maximo, Maxine’s father, said that he enjoys the praises for her daughter.
“It boosts your morale.”
“You can do it. I wish you luck and I love you very much. Don’t forget to pray,” Maxine’s parents added.
MALL DISCOVERY AND PAPER DOLLS
Growing up, Maxine’s parents said that they have no idea that their daughter will become a beauty queen in the future. The beauty queen is second to the eldest of six children.
“She loves paper dolls and likes to wear gowns. She has the makings of a fashion model then but not a beauty queen,” said Marife who confessed that she almost joined a national beauty contest in the 1980s.
Maximo also said that her daughter, who was trained under the Aces and Queens beauty camp under Jonas Gaffud, was discovered while they were strolling at the Gateway, Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City.
news.mb.com.ph/2017/01/05/govt-steps-up-preparations-for-miss-universe-maxines-parents-upbeat/
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