Wurtzbach urges Pinoys: Show Miss U bets hospitality

MANILA, Philippines – Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach called on her Filipino fans yesterday not to attack or criticize candidates of the pageant, which will determine her successor on Jan. 30 in Manila.

In a post on Jan. 7 on her Twitter account @PiaWurtzbach, the third Filipina to win the most prestigious crown asked local pageant fans – known for their passionate and aggressive stance on social media – to instead show the candidates the kind of hospitality that Filipinos are known for.

“Wag po sana tayong mambash ng mga candidates dahil magrereflect po yan sa impression nila satin (Let us please not bash the candidates, as this will reflect on their impression on us),” Wurtzback said in her personal Twitter account with about half-a-million followers. “Lahat po tayo representative ng Pilipinas (We are all representatives of the Philippines).” Wurtzbach’s message post came in time for the arrival of candidates for the 65th edition of the pageant, now under the management of Paula Shugart.

First to arrive last Saturday was the delegate from US Virgin Islands, Carolyn Carter, who had a warm welcome by Filipino fans at the airport.

“Philippines, you sure know how to make a girl feel loved and welcomed! Mahal ko kayo (I love you),” Carter said on her Instagram account.

Last month, selected candidates – mostly from neighboring Asian countries – arrived in the country for promotional activities.

Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo said most of the at least 88 candidates are expected to arrive later this week, as the official pageant events kick off on Saturday, Jan. 14, with a photo shoot in world-renowned island-resort Boracay.

On Jan. 15, the candidates will fly to Vigan, Ilocos Sur in the northern part of the country for another photo shoot and a fashion show featuring traditional Filipino terno by Albert Andrada, designer of the iconic royal blue gown worn by Wurtzbach in the 2015 Miss Universe pageant.

On Jan. 16, the LCS Group of Companies and other partners will host a black-tie “Governors’ Ball” welcome dinner at the SMX Convention Center. 

The actual preliminaries begin on Jan. 17 with the swimsuit competition to be held in Cebu City in the Visayas.

From there, the candidates will again fly to Baguio City in the north for another photo shoot.

On Jan. 19, the candidates will then be split into three groups for simultaneous activities in the cities of Batangas, Iloilo, and President Duterte’s home province Davao.

From Jan. 20 to 22, the contestants will attend a grand fashion show and a Women Empowerment Night at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City and a food festival at the Manila Hotel.

On Jan. 23, the delegates are set for a courtesy call to Malacañang Palace and a national gift auction.

The national costume festival, the evening gown, and interview preliminary competitions are set on the succeeding days.

The main event, highlighted by the coronation of the 65th Miss Universe, will be at 8 a.m. on Jan. 30 (Jan. 29 in the US) at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, to be telecast live in over 190 countries.

American comedian Steve Harvey and model Ashley Graham are set to host this year’s pageant. The Miss Universe Organization is now selecting a local host from a list of celebrities recommended by the Department of Tourism.

Organizers also hinted that popular foreign and local artists would be performing during the live pageant.