MANILA, Philippines - It’s official: the 65th Miss Universe pageant will be held here in January.
The Miss Universe Organization and the Department of Tourism (DOT), along with partners from the private sector such as the LCS Group of Companies, Okada Manila, Solar Entertainment Corp. and SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc., have signed a contract officially making the Philippines host for next year’s pageant.
Richelle Louise Singson-Michael will lead the Miss Universe competition’s host committee from the private sector.
“The Philippines will benefit from the staging of the Miss Universe pageant. The event will bring not only pride to the country, but also revenues for the tourism sector,” Michael said on Wednesday.
Shawn McClain, vice president for the Miss Universe Organization business development and marketing, committed to highlight the destinations and positive aspects of the Philippines during the three-hour telecast of the pageant.
“We have about 400 people and we’re going to visit a lot of places and show the world what the Philippines has to offer. We will boost tourism and help put a positive focus on everything the Philippines is, stands for and will be in the future,” McClain said.
Baguio, Vigan, Cebu and Davao were among the venues confirmed to host the pageant’s ancillary events.
Pass It Forward, an online portal where individuals and charities can come together, will be the philanthropy platform for the next Miss Universe pageant.
Other sponsors named during the contract signing were San Miguel Corp. and JPark Island Resort and Waterpark in Cebu.
The LCS Group, along with all the sponsors, secured and paid the Miss Universe Organization around $12.9 million in cash and letters of credit, guarantees and barter even before the contract signing for the holding of the pageant in the Philippines.
“We’re looking for more partners. We’re seeking other venues, provinces that the contestants will go to,” Michael said.
Former Ilocos Sur governor and LCS Group chief Chavit Singson said the company was not expecting to profit from hosting the international event.
“What I’m after is for the good of our country and the effect of tourism is good. It benefits all businesses,” Singson said in Filpino.
Tourism assistant secretary Frederick Alegre expressed confidence the pageant would bring in more tourists in the coming years.
“Even each candidate can bring their delegates, as many as they want. Can you imagine the multiplying effect?” Alegre said.
The DOT said the sponsors would shoulder only the expenses of the Miss Universe candidates.
This means hotels, airlines and other businesses will earn from the expenses of delegates and supporters who will come to the Philippines for the pageant.
SM Lifestyle Entertainment said it would transform the SM Mall of Asia into a virtual Miss Universe village, showcasing an array of activities that will bring the Miss Universe experience to mall visitors.
Aside from the coronation night, SM MOA will also be the site of the Governor’s Ball, National Gift Auction, National Costume, Fashion Show and the Designer Showcase segments of the pageant.