State officials, dignitaries and special guests rubbed shoulders with the lovely candidates of the 65th Miss Universe during the exciting Governor’s Ball Welcome Dinner held at the SMX Convention Center at Seashell Lane, Pasay City on Monday night.
Hosted by Joey Mead King, the strictly black tie and exclusive-by-invitation-only evening affair, accorded the international beauties with an evening of exquisite dinner and drinks and performances by homegrown world class entertainers, while also serving as Charity fund-raising event.
Former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson led the special gala with the members of high society, joined by partner top executives who made possible the hosting of the Miss Universe pageant in Manila which include Okada Manila, Solar Entertainment Inc., and SM Lifestyle Entertainment Corp.; and sponsors Philippine Airlines and Pass It Forward; and regional sponsors: JPark Island Resort and Waterworld Cebu, and the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio.
Governor Singson said “I promise the Governor’s Ball to be quite an evening, but I’m also hopeful that my friends’ generosity will help my advocacy in Pass It Forward be just as successful.” Pass It Forward (PIF), a philanthropic outfit that acts like a charitable “market place,” facilitating the engagement between givers and receivers (charities) took the Ball as an opportunity to showcase to the attendants how they can make a positive change in the community. Pass It Forward Managing Director Terry Alan Farris said, “If we could get 1% of the viewers of the Miss Universe to give back and support the nonprofits of the Philippines, think of the impact we can make.”
Reigning Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach was stunning in a gorgeous black evening gown. “I did not prepare a speech but all I want to say is that this is such a wonderful occasion for the whole Philippines, a dream come true for me and the Miss Universe Organization,” Wurtzbach said.
Miss Universe president Paula Schugart got a little emotional as she said she was going to miss her favorite Miss Universe. “It will be hard to find another Pia,” Schugart said of the outgoing Filipina Miss Universe.
Seen at the Ball were former Miss Universe Gloria Diaz and Margie Moran, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, DOT secretary Wanda Teo, Senator Manny Pacquiao, actor Cesar Montano, actress Gretchen Barreto and Dawn Zulueta. Kapamilya singer Jona gave a preview of the 65th Miss Universe theme song, an original Kiko Salazar composition entitled “Confidently Beautiful.”
Heavily guarded and with the no-selfie-allowed rule, the 86 candidates were in their best in their stunning evening gown. Stand outs include Miss Venezuela Mariam Habach, Miss Turkey Sila Cakir, Miss Colombia Jealisse Andrea Tovar, Miss USA Deshauna Barber and Miss Philippines Maxine Medina. Others who shone were Miss Canada Siera Bearchell, Miss Great Britain, Jaime-Lee Faulkner, Miss Netherlands Zoey Ivory ud Koelen, Miss Paraguay Andrea Melgarejo, Miss Barbados Shannon Harris, Miss Australia Caris Tilvel, Miss Thailand Chalita Suansanee, Miss Nicaragua Marina Jacoby and Miss Dominican Republic Sal Garcia.
The Governor’s Ball is an occasion that supports the Miss Universe Organization worthy charitable causes. An integral component to its operations, the MUO advocates worthy causes such as the global fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic. In keeping with the pageant’s traditions, they encourage pageant winners and host countries to likewise support their chosen charities. Special Report by Eton B. Concepcion/Photos by LCS
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| Terry Farris of Pass it Forward, MUO President
Paula Shugart, DOT Secretary Wanda Teo, Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, Gov. Luis Chavit
Singson, Chairmain of Universal Entertainment Inc. Kazuo Okada, Solar President
Wilson Tieng, SM Lifestyle Entertainment President Edgar Tejerero and Gov. Ryan Singson |
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