The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Thursday confirmed the Philippines will host the next edition of the prestigious Miss Universe pageant.

A handout picture dated and released on 18 July 2016 by the Malacanang Photo Bureau shows Filipino President Rodrigo Duterte (L) and Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach (R) take a selfie during a courtesy visit inside Malacanang presidential palace in Manila, Philippines. - EPA/MALACANANG PHOTO BUREAU



Philippines to host 2017 Miss Universe pageant
MANILA: The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Thursday confirmed the Philippines will host the next edition of the prestigious Miss Universe pageant.

In a press briefing, Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo said the pageant will be held on January 30, 2017 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Teo said the private sector will shoulder hosting expenses.

Reigning Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach went to the country last July 18 to discuss with President Rodrigo Duterte the proposals of hosting the pageant.


The Philippines last hosted the Miss Universe in 1994, which crowned Sushmita Sen of India as winner. The country first hosted the pageant in 1974, when Margie Moran relinquished her title to Amparo Muñoz of Spain. Binibining Pilipinas Universe Maxine Medina will represent the Philippines in the pageant. – The Daily Inquirer/Asia News Network

Maxine Medina