Reigning Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach and Miss Universe 1999 first runner-up Miriam Quiambao reacted on the petition sent by women’s groups in the Philippines asking the organizing committee not to hold Miss U 2017 in Manila.
This is following the letter sent by the leaders of various women’s groups in the Philippines to the Miss Universe organizing committee asking it to reconsider holding the pageant in the Philippines in January.
The group cited the “objectionable, scandalous and demeaning sexist attitude demonstrated by the newly elected leaders of our country, by no less than President Rodrigo Duterte, and his cohorts towards womankind.”
Following this, as the reigning Miss Universe, Wurtzbach promised to the Filipinos that she will do her best to make sure that the next edition of the international pageant will be held in Manila.
“Akong bahala, guys. Kalma lang. (I’ll take care of it, guys. Calm down).”
“Ipaglalaban ko ‘yan (I will fight for this). I want the competition in my home country!” the New York-based Wurtzbach wrote in a Twitter post on Monday night (Manila time).
Quiambao has also reacted saying that she believes that holding the pageant in the country next year will do more good than harm. She cited the expected tourism boost, among others.
In a TV interview, Quiambao said, “sadly, we have heard stories and quotations of disrespect from certain leaders in this country… In fact, I chose not to elect certain officials just because of what they have said in the past against women.”
“But I think holding Miss Universe nonetheless in the Philippines will do a lot more good for this country because it will bring in a lot of tourism. We can also use it as a campaign for empowerment of women.”
“Naiintindihan ko ‘yung side nila (I understand where they are coming from). But instead of trying to stop this, why don’t we just focus on what we want?” she added. “We want women to be held in high regard, with respect. We want women to be empowered. We want women to be educated. Why don’t we focus on that instead? The more we focus on what we want, all the more we will achieve it.”
As of now, Filipinos are still waiting for the official announcement from the Miss U organizing committee regarding the hosting of Manila of the pageant.
