PH to host Miss Universe 2016
Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Wanda Teo has confirmed at a press conference, Thursday (July 28), that the Philippines will be hosting the next Miss Universe pageant.
(AP Photo/Bullit Marquez via Philstar)
The idea was initially rejected by President Rodrigo Duterte because he was mainly concerned about the big expenses of hosting the pageant. He was later on convinced after a meeting with Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach last July 18.
Teo said the government is not going to spend a single centavo and it will be the private sector that would shoulder the expenses. DOT is also considering the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City to be the venue of the said pageant, which will be held in January 3o, 2017.
According to the DOT, the Philippines has always been the top choice of Miss Universe Organization President Paula Shugart, and Pia Wurtzbach is one of the reasons.
Source: CNN Philippines, Rappler