Miss Universe 2017 hosted by The Philippines

After 23 years, The Miss Universe, an annual international beauty pageant, will be held once again in the Philippines. It can be traced back that the pageant was held at the Folk Arts Theater, Manila for the first time in 1974 where 65 contestants vied to success the crown of Filipina Miss Universe 1973, Margie Moran of the Philippines.

Exactly two decades later, in 1994, the pageant came back to the country and made the Philippine its host country. The pageant was held on May 20, 1994 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay.

The live broadcast of the competition draws half a million viewers worldwide, including many from the Philippines, according to Miss Universe Organization Vice President Shawn McClain. Thus, wanting to host the pageant in Manila again for its “energetic” and “engaged” fan base. He then signed contracts with Philippine sponsors led by former governor Chavit Singson. Other private sector sponsors are Japanese billionaire and Tiger Resort chief Kazuo Okada and the Philippine’s richest man, who is also the chairman of SM Prime Holdings, Inc, Henry Sy.

It can also be added that Filipina beauty queen Pia Wurtzbach holds the Miss Universe crown from 2015.

(Miss Universe winners from the Philippines in order: Margie Moran, Gloria Diaz, Pia Wurtzbach)

The 65th Miss Universe coronation will be aired live on ABS-CBN Channel 2 on January 30, 2017 Monday 8 a.m. (Manila time).
The 65th Miss Universe Itinerary and Schedule of events are as follows:
*Updated after visits to Albay and Iloilo were cancelled due to the effects of Typhoon Nina

Jan 12-14: Arrivals, Fittings and Registration
Jan 14: Group taping in Boracay, arrival of last contestants
Jan 15: Visit to Vigan City – Welcome Event with Terno Fashion Show
Jan 16: Governors’ Ball, SMX Convention Center, Manila, 6:30 pm
Jan 17: Parade at Sinulog Festival, Cebu / Swimsuit Fashion Show, Jpark Island Resort and Waterpark, Cebu
Jan 18-19: Visit to Baguio (Street Motorcade), Davao, Batangas (separate groups)
Jan 20: Return to Manila
Jan 21: Fashion Show, SMX Convention Center
Jan 22: Women Empowerment Night, SMX Convention Center
Jan 23: Visit to Malacañang Palace for courtesy call with President Duterte (morning) / National Gift Auction, Conrad Hotel (evening)
Jan 24: National Costume Competition, World Trade Center
Jan 25: Preliminary Interviews (Group 1), Rehearsals
Jan 26: Preliminary Interviews (Group 2),
Jan 26: 65th Miss Universe Preliminary Competition, Mall of Asia Arena: All delegates will compete in Cocktail Dresses, Swimsuits and Evening Gowns; National Costume opening pre-taping
Jan 27-28: On-Camera Rehearsals, MOA Arena
Jan 29: On-Camera Rehearsals, MOA Arena / Final Dress Rehearsal, Mall of Asia Arena, 7-10 pm (to be confirmed)
Jan 30: 65th Miss Universe Live Telecast, Mall of Asia Arena, 8:00 am (Jan 29 at 7 pm EST) / Coronation Gala, 8:00 pm
Jan 31: Departures