“I would not spend money on that”, yes, this is what President Rodrigo Duterte said talking about the plan to host the Miss Universe in Philippines. Duterte said this during a relaxed conversation with friends in Davao, which included some journalists.
According to the President of Philippines, the government has to seek after other important things and will have to prioritize certain issues. As per the reports, the cost of hosting the next Miss Universe pageant is estimated at around $10 to $12 million.
Pia Wurtzbach Miss Universe 2015
However, if sources are to be believed, top officials from the Miss Universe Organisation, which includes MU President Paula Shugart, and vice president for Marketing and Business Development Shawn McClain, are focusing on Philippines to be the next host country.
Previously, The Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Wanda Teo said in a statement that Duterte has approved in principle the proposal to host the next Miss Universe. Now the DOT mentioned that the private sector is being eyed to share the budget.
Pia Wurtzbach, the reigning Miss Universe, also visited the Philippines recently and in a courtesy call with the President to discuss the plans of hosting the forthcoming Miss Universe pageant in the country on July 18 in Malacañang Palace. Miss Universe officials Shugart, McClain, and Wurtzbach's manager, Esther Swan, were in attendance.
Do you think Philippines will host the forthcoming Miss Universe pageant? What is your take on th whole issue?