IN PHOTOS: Governor's Ball kicks off Miss U charity drive

As the road to the crown nears, the secretary said, “Miss Universe 2016 in the Philippines will be our country’s crowning glory for many, many years with lasting memories and friendship of the candidates and families and friends with Filipinos.” 

“Every day and night of activities here is getting better organized and better participated in … It’s an amazing Miss Universe 2016 and we join everyone in being proud for your accomplishments here, where we have the largest fan base. It will be with a heavy heart to bid farewell,” Miss Universe Organization (MUO) president Paula Shugart elaborated as she witnesses preparations unfolding before her eyes since the pageant’s kick-off events last December.   

She disclosed how 2015 Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach brought up the idea of hosting Miss Universe in the Philippines. And together they turned to friends and the government to make their dreams come true, so they can help empower women around the world through the pageant. Every support fell into place initially with the DOT and then, with the Luis “Chavit” Singson Group of Companies and other partners.    

The Governor's Ball, named after former Ilocos Sur governor Luis "Chavit" Singson (LCS), is a special gala where members of high society get an opportunity to have a close encounter with the candidates of the 65th Miss Universe in black-tie dinner, which featured performances from world-class talents. Select current and former representatives from government were also invited, as well as officials from the MUO.

As an integral component to its operations, the MUO has always advocated worthy causes such as the global fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic. In keeping with the pageant's traditions, they also encourage pageant winners and host countries to likewise support their chosen charities.

Singson, who is among those who brought the annual beauty competition back home to the Philippines, used the Governor's Ball as a way to bring together his staunchest pageant supporters while rolling out the red carpet for their international guests at a private and very upscale fundraiser.

The Governor's Ball was also an avenue for campaign awareness of Pass It Forward (PIF), a philanthropic outfit that acts similarly like a charitable "market place", facilitating the engagement between givers (individuals, corporations, and foundations) and receivers (charities) to come together.

To date, nonprofits like Gawad Kalinga, the ABS-CBN Foundation, Philippine Red Cross, and others have been the primary recipients of PIF charities. For years, Singson has been PIF's main benefactor.

Dressed to the nines in elegant gowns and crisp tuxedos, the audience listened to Singson as he thanked local and foreign pageant partners with combined support of MUO in making the Philippine hosting successful. 

Hosted by Joey Mead-King, the Governor’s Ball was a visual feast that featured different video presentations on Philippine tourist destinations, marching bands, an internationally-acclaimed hip hop dance group, and the University of the Philippines Madrigal Singers, among other local powerhouse performers. 

Terry Allan Farris, president of the New York-based Pass It Forward, the official philanthropy arm of the MUO, was also present that night to thank everyone for their show of support in "creating a positive social movement to inspire everyone to pass kindness forward."