Miss Universe 2016 official country host has been officially set.
In a press conference on Thursday, Philippine's Department of Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo confirmed that the Philippines would host Miss Universe 2016. The final coronation will be held at the Mall of Asia Arena on January 30, 5 a.m.
Reigning Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo-Wurtzbach, was the Philippines representative in the last Miss Universe 2015 competition, where Wurtzbach had an unforgettable winning moment.
The confirmation was announced breaking rumors that the proposed hosting of the Philippines has been canceled and that the petition of hosting it in the Philippines has been reconsidered.
"After all that's been said and done, I happily welcome on behalf of the DOT the latest announcement of the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) through Pia Wurtzbach that finally, the Philippines will indeed play host to the much awaited 2016 Miss Universe pageant," Teo said.
"The Miss Universe 2016 in Manila is brought to you by the DOT, MUO, LCS Group of Companies ...in partnership with Okada Manila, SM Group of Companies, Solar Ent Corp, our broadcast partner."
"This is one proud moment for all of us Filipinos to be a witness to the reigning Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach of Cagayan De Oro as she takes her final walk and passes her crown in her home country, the Philippines."
"We are counting on you, our media partners, event partners, sponsors, to join us as we welcome the Miss Universe candidates, their followers, and their supporters from all over the world. Together, let us show them the soul of the Philippines, and our warm Filipino hospitality," Teo said.
Last July, Teo first announced that the Philippines might be the next to host Miss Universe 2016. The Philippines last hosted MU in 1974 and 1994.
Pia Wurtzbach is the first Filipina to win the Miss Universe title in over four decades after Margie Moran in 1973 and Gloria Diaz as the first Filipina to won Miss Universe in 1969.
