Reigning Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach (sixth from left) joins Miss Universe delegates (from left) Caris Emily Tiivel from Australia, Sari Nakazawa of Japan, Kezia Roslin Warouw of Indonesia, Jenny Kim of Korea, Kiran Jassal of Malaysia, Htet Htet Htun of Myanmar, Tania Pauline Dawson of New Zealand, Maxine Medina of the Philippines, Chalita Suasane of Thailand Dang Thi Le Hang of Vietnamn and Deshauna Barber of the United States at the kick off event held at the S Maison Mall of Conrad Hotel in Pasay City on Saturday evening. ARMIN P. ADINA

Miss Universe organizers on Monday said the international beauty pageant that will be held in Manila next month will be a “very unique show.”

Asked what the world can expect from the Philippines’ hosting of the beauty tilt, Miss Universe Organization President Paula Shugart said she was “very excited” for a “very, very unique” Miss Universe in January next year.

Shugart also assured the public that there would not be a repeat of the blunder committed by American TV host and comedian Steve Harvey in the previous edition, where he announced the wrong winner. She said Harvey’s co-hosts and the board of judges will be announced next year.

Tourism officials earlier said they were preparing a “pakulo” (gimmick) between Harvey and President Rodrigo Duterte during the Miss Universe show, in coordination with Communications Secretary Martin Andanar. Duterte previously rejected the idea of Harvey returning as host in Manila, but DOT said the President appeared to be kidding and welcomed the idea of having Harvey in the country.

READ: Duterte won’t be Miss Universe judge, says MUO president

At least twelve Miss Universe candidates are in the country for the pageant’s kickoff, including a trip to Siargao Island last weekend. The ladies, most of whom are in the country for the first time, said they had a great time in Siargao and received a warm welcome from Filipinos.

“It’s probably one of the most beautiful beaches I have been to. We really had a great time,” said Miss USA 2016 Deshauna Barber.

“I can’t believe how much hospitality we’ve received. I can’t believe how kind everyone is here. Thank you all for welcoming us here,” she added.

Reigning Miss Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, who is in the country to participate in the preparations for the pageant, advised the candidates to make the most out of their experience as representatives of their respective countries.

“This is just a taste of what’s more to come – more people for you to meet, more places to visit. Now it’s getting real for me because I see the girls… I’m even more happy just to bring back the experience even for me, I remember the days when I used to be a candidate; my advice is enjoy because this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I miss being Miss Philippines,” Wurtzbach said.

Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo said ticket-selling for the coronation night will start on Dec. 20. VIP tickets will cost around $1,000, while general admission will cost around $160. YG/JE/rga