The 65th edition of the Miss Universe pageant is going strong with contestants making every possible effort to make it to the crown. The finale is about a week away and the excitement is at its peak. One out of the 86 contenders will win the coveted title of Miss Universe 2016. Amidst all the pageant preparation and excitement, the delegates are everyday occupied with various other activities coming across their way.

The contestants attended one such event that was the National Gift Auction event held on Monday evening. After paying a courtesy visit to President Duterte, the delegates gathered at Conrad Hotel for the National Gift Auction. The auction items were flown in from the home countries of the contestants. As per the reports, the most expensive item on the list is a pair of aquamarine pendant earrings from Brazil with an estimated value of P120,000.

Also Read  :Venus Raj to co host the Miss Universe 2016 Red Carpet

Other items that were up for the bidding were a miniature ox cart from Costa Rica, an ebony and gold chess set from Kazakhstan, a South African memorabilia of Nelson Mandela, a Spalding basketball signed by Shaquil O'Neal from the US, and artworks from Mauritius, Belize, and Angola. According to the sources, 10 items were selected for the auction. Philippines’ bet Maxine Medina brought a pearl necklace and earring set.

The fund collected from the Auction will be forwarded to the Pass it Forward foundation. The managing director of Pass It Forward organisation said that the fund will go to Positive Action Foundation Philippines. “It's a registered non-profit beneficiary. And the funds will go toward their shelter campaign, which is on Pass It Forward," he said.

Also Read : Miss Universe 2016 contestants meet President Duterte

The auction was hosted by Martin Nievera, and the contestants donned designer gowns by Philippines top designers such as Rajo Laurel, Francis Libiran, Fanny Serrano, to name a few. The event was also attended by Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz and Miss Universe 1973 Margie Moran. Actors Enrique Gil, Matteo Guidicelli, former Miss Universe Philippines 2013 Ariella Arida and former Miss USA 2014 and 2015 Nia Sanchez and Olivia Jordan also graced the event.