Newly-crowned Miss Universe 2017 Demi Leigh Nel-Peters recently headed to the Philippines and participated in various events, local newspaper The Philippine Star reported. She won the coveted title during the coronation night held in Las Vegas, Nevada in November.

Nel-Peters, who hails from South Africa, was joined by other candidates of the pageant’s 2017 edition as they graced different events held in the Southeast Asian nation. The roster includes former winners Iris Mittenaere from France, hometown favorite Pia Wurtzbach, and candidates from Canada, United States, Spain, South Korea, Great Britain, the Netherlands, and Italy.

They were welcomed by the country’s tourism department and are slated to stay until December 10. According to tourism officials, the list also includes delegates from the country’s key trading partners such as India, Malaysia, and Singapore.

They are promoting some of the nation’s tourist spots during this four-day visit. This is Nel-Peters’ first journey to Asia after winning the title, following her trip to the office of the pageant in New York City.

Philippines’ bet Rachel Peters, who reached the Top 10 semi-finals during the event, also joined the festivities. Former representatives from the country and Miss Universe runners-up are also part of the events.

Some highlights

One of the highlights of this visit was a charity fashion show held at Solaire Hotel’s Ballroom on December 7, local news agency Rappler reported.

Titled “Give Back: A Charity Fashion Gala,” the show was sponsored by a multi-level networking company in the country, Frontrow.

Pageant winners Nel-Peters, Wurtzbach, and Mittenaere showcased creations from local designers. The South African beauty wore a white gown with long train, while the previous titleholders wore strapless gowns.

They were joined by 2010 edition’s fourth runner-up Venus Raj, 2011 third runner-up Shamcey Supsup, and 2013 third-runner up Ariella Arida. Finalists Mary Jean Lastimosa, Maxine Medina, and Rachel Peters also walked on the runway.

Miss Universe pageant

Aside from the fashion show, the ladies also graced a promotional event organized by Jollibee, a popular fast-food chain in the country.

They tried some of the restaurant’s favorite meals such as the spaghetti and the fried chicken meals.

The 2016 edition of this international beauty tilt was held in the Philippines in January. For Wurtzbach and Mittenaere, it was a trip down memory lane.

Organization president Paula Shugart has also expressed her desire for the country to host the pageant again sometime in the future. She revealed that she has already conducted preliminary talks with tourism officials.

Shugart added that they had “an amazing experience” in the archipelago, saying that they “love the Philippines and it’s great for the pageant.” She wanted more sectors to participate including the private sector.
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