After their visit to the islands on Friday, the Miss Universe beauties will conclude their “holiday tour” of the Philippines in a gala night hosted by the Department of Tourism on Saturday, Dec. 9.
Dubbed “Women of Significance,” the festivities to be held at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Manila will feature reigning Miss Universe Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters of South Africa, and her predecessor Iris Mittenaere of France, who was crowned in Manila in January.
The two ladies will walk the runway in a fashion show featuring the collection of renowned Filipino designer Renee Salud using different indigenous woven fabrics from several tribes in the Philippines.
Miss Universe Philippines Rachel Peters will likewise join the fashion show, along with her batchmates from Canada, Spain, the United States, Malaysia, Korea, Singapore, Russia, Italy, China, the Netherlands, India and Great Britain.
At a special luncheon hosted by the DOT at the Dusit Thani Manila in Makati City on Thursday afternoon, Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo told the Inquirer that the event will honor “women who helped their communities, who have touched the lives of fellow Filipinos and made us proud.”
“These women have done something for the country, and they will be featured. They will also walk the runway,” she said.
Teo said the agency collaborated with Salud, who has just concluded a successful world tour of his creations showcasing the creativity and artistry of the indigenous weavers.
“We will be using different weaves from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. And serving as the backdrop for the fashion show are our destinations across the country, to further promote the spots in Luzon, Visayas and in Mindanao,” Teo said.
Split into groups, the ladies explored Batanes in Luzon, Bohol in the Visayas, and Camiguin in Mindanao on Friday.
They also took a quick tour of Fort Santiago and Intramuros in Manila on Wednesday.