Pia Wurztbach on Philippines hosting MU 2017: "We promise an even better show than last time"

MANILA – It looks like there is indeed a strong possibility that the Philippines will host the Miss Universe pageant again this coming November. In an interview with ABS-CBN News’ Mario Dumaual, Miss Universe Organization president Paula Shugart said they were very pleased with how the pageant was held in the country in January that they are open to doing its next edition again in the country.

Shugart, however, clarified that nothing has been finalized yet.

Some pageant media outlets were reporting confirmed dates and venues.  DOT Secretary Wanda Corazon Teo wants to be more careful with the announcement, after what happened last year when they confirmed Philippines as host country and months later, the deal almost fell through.

Meanwhile, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach is also in favor of holding the pageant again in the Philippines.

“There’s still a lot of time to prepare if ever it really pushes through here in the Philippines. If it happens, then we’ll make sure that it’s going to be an even better show than the last time,” she said.

The show held in January was heavily criticized for lacking any Filipino cultural elements and destinations. The telecast did not actually sell Philippines as a tourist destination.

Former Miss Universe winners Margie Moran and Gloria Diaz even had a limited participation, whereas in the 1994 edition they had the honour of opening the broadcast.

Last month, Department of Tourism chair Wanda Teo revealed that the Philippines has been offered the hosting rights to the next edition of the Miss Universe pageant.  Should the Philippines accept, however, Teo said that her department will be pushing for more control over the event. 

She also added that, much like last time, the DOT will be looking for sponsors to shoulder the expenses.

Some "insiders" claim that the deal has been closed and that the pageant will take place November 26 or 27 at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. 

WME/IMG, owners of Miss Universe, have redefined the concept of the competition to make it more relevant, including more emphasis in the contestants personal stories and academic achievements.