Miss U bets skipping Iloilo? Guv doesn’t give a damn

BY GLENDA SOLOGASTOA

Friday, January 6, 2017

ILOILO City – “I don’t give a damn.”

This was Iloilo governor Arthur Defensor Sr.’s reaction to the cancellation of the Iloilo visit of several Miss Universe candidates.

“I can watch the Miss Universe beauty pageant on television. But really, I’ve never been interested in it,” said Defensor.

Tourism secretary Wanda Teo did not give any reason for the scrapping of the Iloilo sortie of the Miss Universe beauties scheduled on Jan. 19.

According to Defensor, the candidates’ visit won’t have any significant impact to Iloilo’s popularity or attractiveness.

“A place catches attention because of its people and government and nothing else,” he stressed.

The Miss Universe candidates were supposed to hold a photoshoot at Iloilo’s Miag-ao Fortress Church (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Iloilo Esplanade, Iloilo Convention Center, and Molo Church.

If at all, the effect to local tourism of the candidates’ visit would only be temporary, said Defensor.

“If they visit Iloilo, will thousands of tourists flock Iloilo? I don’t think so,” said Defensor. “Besides, the Miss Universe beauty pageant will be held in Metro Manila, not Iloilo.”

On the other hand, Iloilo City administrator Hernando Galvez said there was no official communication sent to the city government yet regarding the cancellation of the visit.

He said the city government already made initial security preparations.

“We have appropriated some funds to ensure nga indi kita mabutang sa alang-alang pananglitan nga madayon. We are just waiting for the final instruction para maplastar man naton ang aton final preparations supposedly,” he added.

The Philippines is hosting the 65th edition of Miss Universe this Jan. 30. The beauty pageant will be held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The reigning Miss Universe is Filipina Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach./PN

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