CALAMBA, Laguna – Mayor Justin Marc “Timmy” SB. Chipeco has extended his invitation to the Miss Universe Organization to include this city, the birthplace of Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, as one of the “must-see” places for the candidates of the most prestigious beauty pageant who will start to arrive in Manila in January 2017.
“Our city is known for resorts and hot springs. We also have our national hero Jose Rizal who is also praised for his teachings. Of course, our city will always be supportive of the Miss Universe Organization,” said Chipeco, during an interview at the press presentation of the 40 official candidates of the Mr. and Ms. Calamba 2016 pageant held here last Monday.
So far, the MUO has not finalized the places where the candidates will visit. But Chipeco said that the local government is always open for discussions with the MUO for the future visit of the girls.
Rizal was born in Calamba on June 19, 1861. His two-story house has been designated as a national shrine by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.
Now on its third year, Chipeco and Gareth Blanco, national director of the annual pageant, led the press presentation of 40 official candidates for Mr. and Ms. Calamba 2016 contest.
“With the Ms. Universe 2017 to be held here in the Philippines, it is high time that the birthplace of our national hero be also known as the hometown of Filipinas with beauty and wit who will bring pride to our country like Ms. Universe Pia Wurtzbach,” said Chipeco.
Chipeco said that the pageant aims to develop local talents who will be in the forefront of the city’s tourism promotion.