IN PHOTOS: Miss U bets kick off pre-pageant in Boracay

MANILA, Philippines — At least 16 candidates of the 65^th Miss Universe on Saturday began the pre-pageant with a splash in one of the country’s top tourist destinations, Boracay.

Miss Universe delegates, including Miss Argentina, Miss Australia, Miss Belize, Miss Chile, Miss Costa Rica, Miss Ecuador, Miss Guyana, Miss Malta, Miss Mexico, Miss Myanmar, Miss Namibia, Miss Nicaragua, Miss Poland, Miss Turkey, Miss US Virgin Island and Miss Honduras, were welcomed by waving locals at the Geodofredo Ramos Airport in Caticlan. Most of them were delighted by the hospitality given by the locals.

“This is unbelievable! All these folks, young and old, turned out to welcome us,” Miss Australia Caris Tiivel said.

“Boracay is even more exciting and meaningful. The people are very friendly and joyful to be with,” Miss Myanmar Htet Htet Htun added.

These Miss Universe hopefuls enjoyed the island by trying dragon boat rowing and exploring indigenous Ati arts like weaving and fishnet-making. They had their swimwear photo shoot in the island.

“The intricate weaving shows the rich Filipino culture,” Miss Mexico Kristal Silva said.

The event was hosted by Miss Universe first runner-up Shamcey Supsup. It was sponsored by former Gov. Luis Chavit Singson and Solar Entertainment.

Among the attendees of the event were Malay town Mayor Ciceron Cawaling; Department of Tourism (DoT) Assistant Secretary Ricky Alegre, representing Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo; and Tessa Paz Alviz, Solar Entertainment vice-president for programming and marketing.

Miss U bets warmly greeted by locals at the Geodofredo Ramos Airport in Caticlan DoT/Released

Miss U bets take selfie in the famous island DoT/Released

Miss Universe candidates try dragon boat-rowing DoT/Released

Miss Universe bets enjoy the white beaches of Boracay DoT/Released

Miss Nicaragua Marina Jacoby and Miss Universe Ecuador Connie Jiménez during their visit in Boracay DoT/Released

—Rosette Adel