To paraphrase a commercial: Just how far will P250,000 go?
On Monday night, at the Miss Universe event “Governor’s Ball,” a quarter of a million pesos allowed patrons to donate to a charitable organization, enjoy a sumptuous meal and get really close to beauty queens from 86 countries and territories.
The ball at SMX Convention Hall in Pasay City was touted as a benefit dinner to support Pass It Forward, the philanthropy partner of the pageant in Manila.
For the charity event, a P250,000-donation meant a “diamond” table package for eight guests, together with two Miss Universe candidates.
A “ruby” table cost P180,000, but did not include an opportunity to mingle with the contestants.
An “emerald” table entailed a P100,000-tab, while the most affordable “sapphire” table package was pegged at P80,000. Each of the tables was good for 10 guests.
The amount, payable to SM Prime Holdings Inc., also meant a Via Mare dinner that consisted of hors d’oeuvres Salmon Tartar in Sesame Cone, White Anchovy Ceviche, and Flaked Chicken Triangles, and main courses that included Prawns Catalan with Mesclun on Crispy Noodles, Roasted Pumpkin with Green Apple Cream, and Slow-cooked Angus Beef Brisket. “Ube Wonder” with fresh fruits finished off the meal.
Two-time world hip-hop champions Philippine All-Stars and world-renowned vocal group Philippine Madrigals provided entertainment numbers, as did Filipino singers Jed Madela, Jona, Radha and Frenchie Dy.
Celebrity guests
Among the celebrity guests at the charity event were world boxing champ Sen. Manny Pacquiao, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, former Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson and son, Ilocos Sur Gov. Ryan Luis Singson, and Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo and Undersecretary Kat de Castro.
Former Miss Universe winners Margarita Moran and Gloria Diaz, former Miss International titleholder Bea Rose Santiago, former Binibining Pilipinas queens Mary Jean Lastimosa and Cindy Miranda, and beauty queen-turned-actress Alice Dixson graced the occasion as well.
Aside from Pass It Forward, the Miss Universe Organization has enlisted Cordaid, Smile Train, God’s Love We Deliver, and the HIV/AIDS organizations Aid for AIDS, GMHC and the Latino Commission on AIDS, as its charitable alliances.
The 65th Miss Universe coronation program will be staged at SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Jan. 30 at 8 a.m., with ceremonies beamed to around 190 countries.
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