Malacañang setting up Noy-Shamcey meet

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang is setting up a meeting between President Aquino and Miss Universe third runner-up Shamcey Supsup, presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said yesterday.

“Oh yes. There is going to be a courtesy call of Shamcey Supsup,” Lacierda told a press briefing.

But Lacierda said the final date was still being arranged since the President is scheduled to leave on Sunday for the United States.

“There are plans for Ms. Shamcey Supsup to see the President–that thing I am certain. As to where, we’re still trying to find a way... but definitely we are planning something for Ms. Philippines to see the President of the Philippines,” Lacierda said.

Aquino met Supsup in General Santos City last April after she won the Binibining Pilipinas pageant.

Supsup placed fourth in the Miss Universe Pageant in Sao Paulo, Brazil behind Miss Brazil Priscila Machado (second runner-up), Miss Ukraine Olesya Stefanko (first runner-up) and Miss Angola Leila Lopes who won the Miss Universe crown.

Supsup graduated magna cum laude from the University of the Philippines-Diliman with a degree in architecture and also topped the architecture licensure examination in July last year.

Supsup is expected to come home on Sept. 18 after a brief vacation in Los Angeles.

Officials said Supsup would be arriving at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) terminal 2 from the US on board Philippine Airlines flight PR103.

Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) general manager Jose Honrado said they would make available the airport’s VIP room or the presidential lounge upon her arrival.

“We will make sure that the said lounge is available and our people here will assist Miss Supsup once she arrives at NAIA,” Honrado said.

Aside from the preparations being made by Malacañang, a number of activities are set to welcome Supsup on her return. – With Rudy Santos