Oliver to Pia’s rescue

MANILA, Philippines – Oliver Tolentino rescued the Philippine bet Pia Wurtzbach (photo) in the Miss Universe pageant when she was facing the prospect of not having an evening gown during the preliminaries held last night in Las Vegas, where the finals will be held on Sunday, Dec. 20 (Monday, Dec. 21, Manila time).

According to Tolentino, “I was in Aspen on vacation when my cell phone rang as I was skiing down the mountain. I took the call and told them I would do whatever I could to help the Philippines. I had nine gowns from the new Beverly Hills boutique sent that afternoon to Las Vegas in order for Pia to have as many choices as possible for the right design, and of course, to make sure something fit. I was told Pia loved a red-orange silk crepe de chine mermaid gown with a bodice fully embellished with red Swarovski crystals and a front slit at the center. They said she loved it and felt good in it and was finally able to relax — which is so important the night before a candidate’s preliminaries. I have no idea why this was all so last minute, but anyway, I was happy to help Pia and the Philippines, even though I was not there.”