The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
The Miss Universe Organization has designated Philippine Airlines (PAL) as the official airline partner of the 65th edition of the annual beauty pageant to be held in Manila later this month—the third time the Philippines is hosting the prestigious event.
As official carrier and global sponsor, PAL will fly the 85 candidates to top local destinations (Cebu, Davao, Boracay, Vigan, Baguio, Batanes, etc.) to relish the country’s culture and cuisine, as well as its beaches and tourist attractions.
A number of activities have been lined up by the organizing committee, culminating in the coronation on January 30 at 8 a.m. in the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, where Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach will crown to her successor. Pia is concurrently a PAL brand ambassador.
Aside from some candidates, all members of the organizing committee and working staff will be flown by PAL to Manila.
Maxine Medina, 2016 Miss Universe-Universe and daughter of PAL flight purser Maximo Guillermo Medina, will represent the country in the pageant. The 26-year-old was also picked by airline executives as Miss Philippine Airlines for showing the potential to portray the heart of the Filipino.
On December 7, nine of 12 contestants—Misses Japan, Australia, China, Korea, Thailand, USA, New Zealand, Indonesia and Vietnam—as well as Miss Universe Organization President Paula Mary Shugart, arrived in Manila via PAL for the pageant’s kick-off event that included a photo shoot at the beaches of Siargao island.
PAL has lots of experience flying beauty queens. PAL was the official carrier of the 1994 Miss Universe and a sponsor of the 1974 edition, both held in the Philippines.
PAL flew then-18-year-old Gloria Diaz back to Manila in 1969 after she took home the country’s first Miss Universe crown. It did the same for then-19-year-old Margie Moran, the country’s second Miss Universe titlist, in 1973.
Since partnering with the Binibining Pilipinas pageant organizers, PAL has been flying the country’s representatives to and from the top beauty competitions.