By ROBERT R. REQUINTINA
Newly crowned Miss Universe Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters and her court are scheduled to visit Manila to spread holiday cheer as part of the upcoming 2017 Miss Universe Christmas Tour next month.
Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaire of France and her runners-up Miss Haiti Racquel Pelissier and Miss Colombia Andrea Tovar will also join the Philippine visit.
Miss Thailand Maria Poonlertlarp who made it to the Top 5 of the just concluded Miss Universe pageant could be part of the tour after she hinted on Facebook that she would be coming home to Thailand after she visits Manila with the other candidates.
Other girls who are expected to be part of the Christmas Tour are 2017 Miss Universe semi-finalists Miss Venezuela Keysi Sayago, Miss Brazil Monalyssa Alcantara, Miss Canada Lauren Howe, Miss Spain Sofia del Prado, Miss USA Kara McCullough, Miss China Roxette Qui, Miss Croatia Shanaelle Petty, Miss Ghana Ruth Quashie, Miss Great Britan Anna Burdzy, Miss Ireland Cailin Toibin, Miss Sri Lanka Christina Peiris and Miss Philippines Rachel Peters.
This could be the biggest gathering of current and recent winners of Miss Universe outside of the US, headquarters of the Miss Universe Organization.
Reports said that these girls will take part in various activities such as fashions shows, meet-and-greet, and gala event.
The event is said to be in tandem with the Department of Tourism and other non-government organizations, sources said.
Greatest achievement
One day after the 2017 Miss Universe beauty pageant, Rachel Peters said that representing the Philippines in the prestigious was by far her greatest achievement.
“Without a doubt my greatest achievement to date!! To be the 66th Filipina to stand on the Miss Universe stage with the most beautiful girls in the world, and to represent the most amazing country – Ang mahal kong Pilipinas!” said Peters on Instagram.
“Thank you so much to everyone who was part of this journey, I am so lucky to have every single one of you in my life.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine I would be brave enough to do something like this, but you all are the reason I got to where I am. I’m still so overwhelmed by all the love.
“I promise I gave my all but I’ve always been a believer in fate, destiny and God’s perfect timing so I’m thankful for the opportunity and the memories, but I am so looking forward to seeing what God has in store for me, and to come home to the Philippines. First thing on the agenda-Sinigang!” said Peters on IG.
