PLDT ties up with Solar for Miss U

MANILA, Philippines - The PLDT Group has partnered with Solar Entertainment to bring the much-awaited Miss Universe pageant to Filipinos across multiple screens.

Through the partnership signed with the Miss Universe Organization and official Philippine broadcast partner of Miss Universe 2016 Solar Entertainment yesterday, the PLDT Group intends to provide the best viewing experience for the pageant in the country by utilizing its various terrestrial and digital channels.

PLDT, Inc. chairman, president and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan said the group, through wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. and broadcast firm TV5, would want to provide Filipinos more ways to enjoy the pageant.

“We are giving them exclusive access to behind-the-scenes and key events such as the very popular swimsuit and long gown competitions, and of course, real-time viewing of the much-awaited coronation night. With our robust network capabilities and the largest consumer base of over 75 million Filipinos, millions of fans can watch the pageant events via multiple platforms, whether on TV, laptop or mobile —whenever they want, wherever they want,” he said.

Under the partnership, PLDT and Smart will be providing fixed broadband and mobile connectivity for the Miss Universe pageant.

“We are ready to contribute our top-notch products and services to make it a more engaging experience for everyone. Miss Universe 2016 will be using PLDT and Smart’s services throughout their entire journey, while fans will be able to immerse themselves not only in the coronation night, but also in all the exciting events leading up to it,” PLDT and Smart chief revenue officer Eric Alberto said.

He said PLDT and Smart subscribers would also have the chance to witness the coronation night live through free ticket promos.

TV5, meanwhile, would have the complete broadcast coverage of the coronation night, as well as provide viewers exclusive access to the preliminary show, particularly the swimsuit and long gown rounds.

The exclusive airing of the long gown and swimsuit preliminary competitions scheduled on Jan. 28 and 29 on TV5, would also be available online on the same day via PLDT and Smart.

The coronation night, meanwhile, would be aired on Jan. 30.

The Miss Universe pageant is being held in the Philippines for the third time this year after the country served as host in 1974 and 1994.

For the upcoming pageant, a total of 86 candidates from all over the world will vie for the crown.