EVENTS

CLAIMING IT | Philippine organizers: ‘Best Miss Universe pageant ever!’

Text by Romsanne Ortiguero | Photo by George Buid | Lifestyle Section, InterAksyon · Thursday, November 17, 2016 · 3:52 pm

From left: DOT Assistant Secretary Frederick Alegre; VP for Corporate Marketing, SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc. Ruby Ann Reyes; Solar Entertainment CEO and President Wilson Tieng;  LCS Holdings President and Chairman former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis Chavit Singson; Tiger Resort Chairman Kazuo Okada; Vice President for Business Development of the Miss Universe Organization Shawn McClain; and event host Miss Universe 2011 3rd Runner Up Shamcey Supsup during the ceremonial toast of the official announcement of the 65th annual Miss Universe competition held at Shangri-La Makat, November 16, 2016. Photo by George Buid, InterAksyon.

For the third time in history since the first Miss Universe competition was held in 1952, the Philippines is once again hosting the prestigious beauty pageant on its 65th year, and at the launch party held Wednesday evening, November 16, at the Makati Shangri-la Hotel, organizers announced that it promises to be “the best Miss Universe pageant the world will see.”

Architect Richelle Singson-Michael, Vice Chairman of  LCS Holdings, and Chairman for the Host Committee of the 65th Annual Miss Universe Competition said in a press conference at Shangri-La Makati on Wednesday evening (November 16): “I always say that not only does the Philippines have the biggest fanbase in the world, I also believe there is no other country than the Philippines that can guarantee that this will be the best Miss Universe pageant the world will see.”

“The contestants are going to be here for almost three weeks, and we’ve maximized all of the activities so they are going to go all around the Philippines from Luzon, Visayas, to Mindanao. We’ve created events all over the Philippines so that all of the places are showcased. Apart form the events we are creating around the pageant, the pageant itself, the production team of Miss Universe, they’re bringing in almost 400 people for the production. The production team is like quality, hollywood-level producers,directors, lighting directors,” Singson-Michael further told InterAksyon.

Shawn McClain, Vice President for Business Development of the Miss Universe Organization revealed that the competition will have a three-hour telecast with Filipino-blooded international stars performing at the competition.

“For three hours, the entire world, about 190 countries and territories are to see everything the Philippines has to offer,” McClain said.

Singson-Michael also noted that Philippines’ destinations, hospitality, culture,and the food will be highlighted throughout the competition.

The coronation day is slated on January 30, 2017 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. On the other hand, pre-pageant activities will be held in selected tourists spots in the country including Vigan, Cebu, Baguio, Davao, and more places to be announced soon.

The first time Philippines hosted Miss Universe was in 1974 and the second was in 1994.

The ceremonial signing of the partnership agreement between DOT Assistant Secretary Frederick Alegre; VP for Corporate Marketing, SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc. Ruby Ann Reyes; Solar Entertainment CEO and President Wilson Tieng; LCS Holdings President and Chairman former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis Chavit Singson; Tiger Resort Chairman Kazuo Okada; Vice President for Business Development of the Miss Universe Organization Shawn McClain. Photo by George Buid, InterAksyon.

The pageant’s official host, LCS Holdings led by its President and Chairman former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis Chavit Singson, underscored that hosting the 2016 Miss Universe competition not only brings pride to the country but is also expected to bring revenues in the tourism sector.”It’s not only an event that will bring prominenece to the Filipinos; it is also expected to deliver economic benefits through tourism as we are given a platform to showcase our local attraction before half a billion Miss Universe fans worldwide,” Singson said.

This is echoed by the Department of Tourism (DOT) in a statement made by Secretary Wanda Teo through Assistant Secretary Frederick Alegre.

“The DOT with the approval of President Rodrigo Duterte has always been vocal about our support for Miss Universe pageant, which we believe will showcase Philippines’ true beauty and tourist attractions. We are confident that this will boost the number of visitors will come in our friendly shores in the coming years,” Alegre said in a speech.

“There are about 90 candidates coming we expect that there are already bookings just for the Miss Universe..In fact, we were told that the candidates themselves bring their own group so 90 times five or ten, the multiplier effect..,”Alegre also told InterAksyon.

Moreover, because of the ancillary events in different provinces, bookings in these areas are expected to increase, too. The undersecretary also noted that January is a festival month, which is expected to draw more tourists.

“I’m sure we’re off to a good start in our targets for 2017 because of the Miss Universe,” Alegre said.

The LCS Group, along with major partners from te private sectors including Okada Manila, Solar Entertainment, and SM Lifesytle Entertainment Inc. are providing the estimated $15 million cost of staging the pageant. Other sponsors include San Miguel Corporation, JPark Island Resort and Waterworld Cebu, and Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio.

Pressure on
Jonas Gaffud of Aces & Queens, who happens to grace the official announcement of the 65th annual Miss Universe Competition, told some reporters that Miss Universe Philippines 2016 Maxine Medina “feels pressured.”

“She is very pressured kasi host country ka eh. At the same time, she’s excited also to be with the candidates, and show them the Philippines,” Gaffud shared.

Gaffud, the famed “beauty queen-maker,” is training Medina until December before joins the competition’s host committee as creative director. Gaffud also revealed that they are focusing their training for the question and answer portion, as well as other preparations including Medina’s gym routine and gown.

“The other day I was with her to plan kung ano talaga yung cut ng gown, color ng gown. Last week, we did Q and A. We’re (focusing) on the Q and A. Meron siyang teacher sa UP na nagtuturo kung paano yung kanyang construction ng sentences and yung trainor namin sa Aces and Queens, tinuturuan siya kung paano sumagot. Siya rin ang trainor nila Megan Young, ng lahat. Ako naman, bago matapos angNovember, tuturuan ko siya ng more power sa stage,” Gaffud said.

Gaffud, further revealed that Medina will be wearing a Rhett Eala gown.

For more information on the upcoming 65th Miss Universe competition, visit the Miss Universe 2016 official website or its official Facebook page.

http://www.interaksyon.com/lifestyle/claiming-it-philippine-organizers-best-miss-universe-pageant-ever