Chavit open to staging next Miss Universe in the Philippines again

MANILA, Philippines – Former Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis Chavit Singson, one of the major sponsors of Miss Universe 2016, said he is open to the possibility of staging the international pageant in the country again.

For Singson, chief of the LCS group, Miss Universe hosting is possible as long as he will be supported by government agencies.

“Well, basta tutulong lahat kaya natin. Basta katulong ang Department of Tourism,” he told reporters during an ambush interview after the Miss Universe coronation.

Asked if he is willing host the pageant next year, Singson replied in jest: “Hihinga muna ako.”

Tourism secretary Corazon Wanda Teo also said she is willing to allow another Miss Universe hosting just as long as Singson helps the tourism agency. She, however, wanted to skip next year’s hosting and be back in hosting after a year.

“If Gov. Singon is willing again then we'll do it,” she said.

Reports said Singson pulled out $900,000 (roughly P45 million) from his own money just to secure that the pageant will be held in the country. The franchise for the pageant, which costs $6 millon or P300 million, was paid by other private sponsors, Okada and Solar, which cashed out $3 million each.

Only the private sector sponsored the pageant since President Rodrigo Duterte said he wishes to allow the pageant if there will be no government funds spent.

Singson, however, clarified that he did not consider the pageant as an investment loss since the hosting earned the country several tourists.

“I don't consider it nalugi kasi investment iyan, lugi na lang ‘pag walang turista pero I'm sure maraming turista,” he said.

Teo said some Miss Universe candidates already vowed to return and tour the country. She was also very pleased in the outcome of the Philippines’ Miss Universe hosting.

“The hosting was perfect. The effect of this will be lots of tourists would come. That alone is a sign na marami tayong interesadong pupunta sa Pilipinas.

Nakakataba ng puso kasi we really worked hard for this,” she said.

Meanwhile, Miss Universe Organization President Paula Shugart awarded Singson as “Mr. Universe” sash at the media tent in front of Mall of Asia Arena, where the coronation was held. Shugart thanked him for his dedication in making the Miss Universe pageant happen in the Philippines, which she said, had been the best show she has ever done.

Singson accepted the sash, saying that it is an honor.