Would the Philippines want to host the Miss Universe again? | ABS-CBN

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Would the Philippines want to host the Miss Universe again?

Would the Philippines want to host the Miss Universe again?

ABS-CBN News

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Updated Feb 05, 2017 08:29 AM PHT

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DOT chief Wanda Teo answered suggestions that the country will again host the Miss Universe pageant before the end of President Rodrigo Duterte's term. ABS-CBN News

DAVAO CITY — Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo kept her cards close to her chest when asked whether her department is willing to host the Miss Universe pageant again.

There have been suggestions that the country will mount another edition of the prestigious pageant before the end of President Rodrigo Duterte's term in 2022.

Teo refused to outright confirm nor deny these in a press conference held Friday. She did reveal that members of the Miss Universe Organization (MUO), apparently pleased with the job they did, have offered them the hosting rights anew.

"They were asking if kung gusto ba namin," she told reporters. "Pero kung alam niyo lang ang hirap na dinanas namin to host the Miss Universe, napakahirap."

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Teo said pageant organizers were reluctant to host the competition here because of Duterte's fiery comments against former US President Barack Obama and after Duterte likened himself to Adolf Hitler.

Teo said her team and former Ilocos Sur governor and business tycoon Luis "Chavit" Singson had to fly to the US to personally negotiate with the Miss Universe Organization following petitions to cancel the country's hosting bid.

"Sabi namin noong una (to the MUO), we will sue you kasi binayaran na namin. Sabi nila, 'No, we will return the money.' So sleepless nights talaga. Singson was there for three weeks . . . Kaya no pain, no gain," she shared.

Asked if Singson is again willing to fund the country's hosting of the Miss Universe pageant for another time, Teo said yes.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Singson said that he is prepared to foot the bill again provided the government will share in the expenses next time.

Singson said he spent about $15 million to host last month's pageant.

Prior to the country's bid to host the Miss Universe pageant, President Duterte has repeatedly said that the government will not spend a single peso for it.

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