Governor’s Ball to open 65th Miss Universe competition charity drive

One of the most exclusive events that are part of the run-up to the 65th Miss Universe Competition will happen at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on January 16, and it’s called the Governor’s Ball. 

Named after former Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson, the Governor’s Ball is a special gala where members of high society get an opportunity to have a close encounter with the candidates of the competition’s 65th edition in a black-tie dinner, with world-class performers providing entertainment.

Singson’s LCS Group will lead this extraordinary gathering, and he is expected to be joined by top executives of his major partners at the Miss Universe Competition: Okada Manila, Solar Entertainment Inc., and SM Lifestyle Entertainment Corp.; sponsors Philippine Airlines and Pass It Forward; and regional sponsors JPark Island Resort and Waterworld Cebu, and the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio.

Select current and former representatives from the government are likely to be invited, as well as officials of the Miss Universe Organization (MUO).

The MUO has always supported worthy causes, such as the global fight against HIV/AIDS. In keeping with the pageant’s traditions, it also encourages contest winners and host countries to also support their chosen charities.

Singson will use 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 will also be an avenue to raise people’s awareness of Pass It Forward, a philanthropic outfit that acts like a charitable “marketplace” that facilitate the engagement between givers (individuals, corporations, and foundations) and receivers (charities).

“The Governor’s Ball will be an opportunity to show to those who attend how they can make a positive change in the community,” Pass It Forward Managing Director Terry Alan Farris said.

“If we could get 1 percent of the viewers of the Miss Universe [competition] to give back and support the nonprofits of the Philippines, think of the impact we can make,” he added.

To date, nonprofit groups, including Gawad Kalinga, the ABS-CBN Foundation, and the Philippine Red Cross, have been the primary benefactors of the Pass It Forward charities. For years, Singson has been Pass It Forward’s main benefactor.

“I’ve maintained a long-term relationship with Pass It Forward, because the idea of building capacities for all nonprofit organizations in the Philippines—instead of just focusing on a few—appeals to me,” Singson said.

“I promise [that] the Governor’s Ball to be quite an evening,” the former governor said, adding that he hopes his friends’ generosity will help his advocacy and make Pass It Forward also successful.