THE grand coronation during the 65th Miss Universe Beauty Pageant next January 30 will be held at the Mall of Asia Arena, organizers said in Makati City.
The pageant, which started as a marketing competition by California company Catalina Swimwear in 1952, has evolved over the past 64 years into an annual tradition celebrating intelligence, poise, and beauty.
Last year, Ms. Philippines Pia Wurtzbach won the pageant.
Aside from hosting the Coronation Night, MoA will also showcase activities geared at bringing the whole Miss Universe experience to the Filipino people and the world.
The official venue will be transformed into a virtual Miss Universe village as it becomes its pocket of activities and events that will build, organizers said, excitement over the arrival of the premiere pageant.
MoA will host the Governor’s Ball, National Gift Auction, National Costume, the Fashion Show, the Designer Showcase and After Party among others, all geared towards giving the Filipinos and the universe an unforgettable Miss Universe experience.
The activities will culminate in the Coronation Night on Jan. 30 at the MoA Arena where everyone—at the arena and on television—will witness a rare display of beauty, talent and wit.
“The SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc. once again makes Philippine history by bringing in one of the Filipinos’ most awaited international events to our shores. After a stir in the country’s spirit from its first win in 22 years, the Mall of Asia Arena welcomes 2017 with a newly crowned Miss Universe,” said SMLEI president Edgar Tejerero.
“We are proud to be a partner of the much-awaited Miss Universe 2017,” he added.
Arnel Gonzales, MoA’s assistant vice president, said the official venue has been specifically chosen for the Miss Universe pageant because it has hosted many events that showcased the country globally.
He added it has been home to the world’s biggest international events such as the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Meeting and the Papal Visit in 2015.
Known for its amenities of international standards, MoA had housed entertainment acts in the caliber of Madonna, WWE Live, and Cirque Du Soleil.
It has been transformed into a premiere sports venue bringing in the biggest athletes from basketball and volleyball to tennis and even monster trucks.