Puyat says budget, discussion first before hosting another Miss Universe pageant

Catriona Gray of the Philippines (C) is congratulated by contestants after winning the Miss Universe 2018 on Dec. 17, 2018 in Bangkok, Thailand.
AFP/Lillian Suwanrumpha

MANILA, Philippines — Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said the Philippine hosting of the prestigious Miss Universe pageant would still depend on the budget and discussion.

During the launch of the refreshed tourism campaign “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” last month, Puyat said there has to be a budget and a discussion first before the country could host another Miss Universe pageant. She was asked because Catriona Gray won the title for the country in December.

The country last hosted the Miss Universe pageant in January 2017 just months after Pia Wurtzbach won the Miss Universe 2015 crown.

The hosting of the 2016 edition of the international pageant, staged at the Mall of Asia Arena, was led by former Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson’s LCS Group of Companies and the Department of Tourism then headed by Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo.

Singson, however, said the next Miss Universe pageant will be held in South Korea. He said he would help in the hosting and said it would be better for Gray’s exposure.

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