LIST: Schedule of Miss Universe activities in Philippines in 2017

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Tourism recently announced the activities and the schedule of the 65^th Miss Universe candidates in the country in 2017.

Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo said the official pre-pageant activities will start on January 15 but the Miss Universe candidates will start arriving in the country on January 12. This is the third time the Philippines is hosting the international pageant.

Eleven candidates also toured some parts of the country this December.

For their official activities, Miss Universe hopefuls will be divided into groups and will visit various tourist destinations in the country. “Medyo hati-hati na iyan,” Teo said citing that some will go to northern and southern provinces separately.

Among the locations to be visited are Albay, Bicol, Baguio, Batangas and Iloilo, among others.

Below appears the schedule announced by the Tourism department — some of which are not yet finalized:

• January 15 – Photoshoot in Vigan, Ilocos Sur

• January 16 – Governor’s Ball at SMX convention

• January 17 – Miss Universe Swimwear competition at Jpark Island Resort and Waterpark, Cebu

• January 21 – Miss Universe candidates will attend Fashion show at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City

• January 22 – Women empowerment night at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City

• January 23 – Miss Universe candidates’ courtesy call on President Rodrigo Duterte at the Malacañang Palace

• January 24 – Miss Universe national costume competition at the World Trade Center

• To be announced – Miss Universe pre-pageant evening gown contest, Manila

• January 30 – 65^th Miss Universe Coronation at the Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City

—Rosette Adel