MISS U BEAUTIES IN BORACAY. Miss Universe candidates enjoy the beauty of Boracay in their swimsuit during the country's hosting of the prestigious pageant in January 2017. (PNA file photo)
MANILA -- There is now a 90-percent chance Miss Universe 2018 will be held in the Philippines.
This was bared Sunday by Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo following a series of talks between the organization and DOT.
"Medyo malapit na (it’s almost done), the chances are around 90 percent," she told reporters at the University of the Philippines, revealing once talks are over and the deal is closed, the swimsuit competition will be held in the rehabilitated Boracay in November.
On Saturday, Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, Miss Universe 2017 was spotted watching the finals of World's Strongest Man at Rizal Park, Manila.
Asked why Nel-Peters is in Manila, Teo revealed they are "working on something," fuelling speculations the prestigious beauty competition will be in the Philippines.
DOT in April said it was President Rodrigo R. Duterte himself who suggested the 2018 Miss Universe be held in Boracay to promote its re-opening following a six-month closure.
Asked if former Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singson will still be the sponsor of the upcoming beauty tilt, Teo said DOT will be looking for other sponsors.
"Hindi na, hindi na raw muna so we will be looking for more sponsors and mayroon naman kaming kausap for now, meron kaming kinakausap (No, they begged off this time so we will be looking for other sponsors and we have already talked to some of them)," Teo said.
Last year's event cost LCS Holdings Inc., Singson’s company around USD12 million for the hosting of the 65th Miss Universe pageant. (PNA)
