IPINAGMALAKI ng Department of Tourism (DoT) ang tagumpay ng katatapos na 65th Ms. Universe beauty pageant kahapon.
Ayon kay Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon Teo, hindi man napagwagian ni Miss Philippines Maxine Medina ang korona, malaking karangalan pa rin ang hatid ng beauty queen sa bansa.
Iginiit din ni Teo na ang tagumpay ng pandaigdigang paligsahan sa kagandahan ay tagumpay rin ng Pilipinas.
Pagkatapos makoronahan, agad na binati ng Philippines Tourism chief si Miss France Iris Mittenaere at ipinahayag na ang tagumpay ni Miss France ay itinuturing na tagumpay rin ng Pilipinas.
“On behalf of the Filipino people, I congratulate Miss France for bagging the Miss Universe crown from 85 other candidates from around the world. Her win is our success as the host nation…
“We join the millions of people watching from more than 190 countries worldwide in celebration over Miss Mittenaere’s success. And we are very proud and grateful that the Philippines became an important part in her journey to the Miss Universe crown,” pahayag ni Ms. Teo.
Kaugnay nito, kumbinsido si Teo na ang lahat ng mga pagsisikap ng bansa upang pangasiwaan ang 65th Miss Universe competition ay magsusulong sa layunin ng Pilipinas na makaengganyo ng mga dayuhang turista upang bisitahin ang magagandang destinasyon sa bansa na ipinakita bago ginanap ang kumpetitisyon.
“The Philippines is the runaway winner in this prestigious international event. Our islands, food, and the biggest smiles of our people are all over the news and social media these past few weeks. The world now knows how beautiful our islands are, how delectable our cuisines are, and how friendly and warm Filipinos are – just ask the Miss Universe candidates themselves,” sabi ni Teo.
Inillibot ng tourism chief ang mga kandidata sa party island ng Boracay, highlands ng Baguio City, makasaysayang bayan ng Vigan, makukulay na tapiserya sa Mindanao at Davao City, at sa makasaysayang Lungsod ng Maynila.
“What you saw during your brief stay – some of top destinations, festivals, our balut, our Bohol Chocolate Hills – these are just a glimpse of what our 7,107 islands can offer. So today, I invite the world, come to the Philippines so you can affirm that when you are with Filipinos, you are with family,” wika ng tourism chief.
Tinawag na “most memorable and beautiful Miss Universe edition ever, katuwang ng DOT sa pagsasagawa ng matagumpay na 65th Miss Universe ang Miss Universe Organization, LCS Group na pinamumunuan nina Gov. Chavit Singson at Architect Richelle Singson Michelle, kapartner ang Okada Manila, SM Group of Companies, at Solar Entertainment Corporation, ang broadcast partner. (MARY ANN SANTIAGO)