Amidst public safety and health concerns, it’s all systems go for the staging of the pageant activities and the online coronation night of the Miss Universe Philippines 2020 in Baguio City and the nearby La Trinidad town in the province of Benguet.
About 50 ladies representing different regions of the country, together with over 100 pageant staff and officials are expected to arrive in Baguio City this week and stay until October 25 for the finals to be held at the Baguio Country Club. They will arrive in batches and will have to follow strict border protocols and triage.
The group was able to meet the requirements of the city government such as clearance from the National Task Force against COVID-19 and negative RT-PCR test results.
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong said that the group will undergo a second test on October 17 and another one before they leave the city.
Pageant activities will be confined at the Baguio Country Club, except for the photoshoot that will be held at the strawberry farm in La Trinidad.
First time in Philippine pageantry
For its debut, Miss Universe Philippines 2020 will allow its candidates to speak in their own dialects during the finals—the first time in the history of Philippine pageants.
Jonas Gaffud, creative and events director for Miss Universe Philippines, said that the coronation night will have the traditional segments expected from a beauty pageant. “But, watch out for the fresher and insightful take. Our team poured their heart and soul to this and we are so excited to finally unveil our work,” he added.
Preliminary interviews will be held on October 21 while the national costume, swimsuit, and evening gown competition will be held On October 23. All pageant activities will be held online, as part of the strict measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease.
Cover image: Facebook/Miss Universe Philippines
