The Philippines is now stepping up its welcome for Miss Universe candidates as the country prepares to host the beauty pageant on January 30, 2017.
Two Miss Universe candidates have already arrived in the country for events leading to the coronation night. Miss Guyana-Universe Soyini Fraser, a host and public relations officer for a
TV network arrived just today. Fraser was quoted by ABS-CBN Lifestyle as looking forward to sampling Filipino food, “I heard you guys cook some of the best sticky rice in Asia!”
The day before, Miss US Virgin Islands Carolyn Carter arrived in the country as the first contestant for the pageant. The fashion blogger and painter posted on her social media account that “she appreciates how Filipinos ‘know how to make a girl feel loved and welcomed.’ ”
Photos from the last photoshoot of the reigning Miss Universe, Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, were circulated just before the arrival of the candidates.
Wurtzbach, who hails from Cagayan De Oro, has said in media reports she looks forward to properly taking her first and last walk on the Miss Universe stage in front of her fellow Filipinos.
Her beauty queen walk did not happen when she won the crown in 2015 after a mistake in the announcement of the winner.
Wurtzbach’s winning the Miss Universe crown ended the 42-year drought for a Filipina to take home the title. The Philippines’ Miss Universe will crown her successor at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The pageant kicked off the Philippine hosting in December 2016 when 11 candidates, including the Philippines’ bet Maxine Medina, toured the country.
