Baguio basks as tourist site after Miss Universe visit
>> Sunday, February 5, 2017
By Gaby
B. Keith
BAGUIO CITY – This
summer capital is now basking in popularity as tourism destination after the
Jan. 18 visit of Miss Universe here with
Mayor Mauricio Domogan declaring the event a “success.”
He earlier welcomed
and led a formal toast to this year’s 29 Miss Universe Candidates at gala
dinner in Baguio Country Club.
Reigning Miss Universe
Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach and finalist Shamcey Supsup-Lee were there with the latter
serving as master of ceremonies.
Also present were
Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson, Dept. of Tourism regional director Venus Tan,
city officials, Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio (HRAB) officers and
members headed by BCC general manager Anthony De Leon, Philippine Military
Academy cadets, and other guests.
Domogan said it was an
honor for Baguio to be chosen one of few places in the country to be visited by
Miss Universe candidates as this promoted the Summer Capital to a worldwide audience.
He thanked the HRAB
and DOT for heading efforts in making this “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity
possible and a success. The mayor also commended city police for ensuring
safety of contestants.
In his message, De
Leon said the Miss Universe candidates’ visit was part of HRAB’s mission of
making the “impossible, possible” and will continue to create and pursue
projects that promote Baguio both nationally and abroad.
He also thanked all
those involved in making the visit a success.
For her part, Wurtzbach
expressed their appreciation for the “very warm” reception accorded them by the
people of Baguio.
She revealed the city
was one of her favorite places to visit and hopes to return soon.
The Miss Universe
candidates’ visit here started with silent drill performed by PMA cadets upon
landing at Loakan Airport early Wednesday morning followed by their joining a
mini “Panagbenga” parade from Upper Session Road to BCC on top of flower and
mask-bedecked floats representing Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao including that of
BCC.
In the afternoon, the
beauties engaged in tree-planting and strawberry picking activities with some
trying their hand in golf.
They also witnessed a
“solar painting” demonstration by Cordilleran artist Jordan Mang-osan of the
Tam-Awan Village Group of Artists.
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