Philippines to host Miss U anew?

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines may yet host again the Miss Universe pageant in November, Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo said.

On the sidelines of the World’s Strongest Man (WSM) finals yesterday, she said the country has a 90 percent chance of hosting the pageant and is almost done closing the deal with the Miss Universe organization.

Teo hopes that the swimsuit competition will be held in Boracay, in time for its reopening after six months of rehabilitation.

The Philippines also hosted the 2016 edition of the Miss Universe pageant, although it was the Chavit Singson group of companies that sponsored the event. This time, though, the group would no longer sponsor the search.

“We will be looking for more sponsors and we are already talking to someone,” the Department of Tourism (DOT) chief said.

Asked if the government would shell out funds for the event, she said a portion of the costs might have to be shouldered by the government.

Over the weekend, reigning Miss Universe Dei Leigh Nel Peters and Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere arrived in Manila for a fashion show.

The DOT earlier said hosting big events such as the Miss Universe pageant shows the country’s capacity to host large events. Apart from this, the Philippines also hosted this year’s WSM edition, which is televised in over 70 countries.

The WSM, DOT earlier said, will promote tourist spots like Rizal Park, Intramuros, Bonifacio Global City, Corregidor Island, Tagaytay City, Bataan, Davao City and Coron Island in Palawan.

Iceland’s Hafór Júlíus “Thor” Björnsson, who plays Ser Gregor Clegane (The Mountain) in the Game of Thrones, emerged as winner of this year’s WSM.

Teo said the DOT would tour the WSM winners in Davao and Tagaytay cities, among others, to showcase the Philippines.