Binibining Pilipinas still owns Miss Universe Philippines Franchise

By:

Jan Milo Severo (philstar.com) -

MANILA, Philippines — Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. Chairperson Stella Marquez Araneta has put an end to speculations that the local franchise of the Miss Universe pageant is now under the group of Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis Chavit Singson.

In an ambush interview with the media, Araneta confirmed that the most prestigious beauty pageant is still with her organization.

“Well, it's still with us. If some people say something else, let them talk about it," Araneta told reporters.


Araneta added that the search for the new batch of Binibining Pilipinas beauty queens would be announced soon.

Recent reports said the international organization allegedly offered the franchise to Singson.

Singson, together with his daughter Richelle who was a judge in the Miss Universe 2018 competition, came home to the Philippines with Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray after the pageant.

Apart from Miss Universe, Binibining Pilipinas winners also represent the country in other international beauty pageants such as Miss International, Miss Supranational, Miss Intercontinental, Miss Grand International and Miss Globe.

Davao Norte gears up for 51st Kadagayaan Festival 2018

Week-long festivities will usher in the 51st Kadagayaan Festival of Davao del Norte, this time featuring the "Visit Davao Summer Festival 2018" aimed at showcasing the province's diverse culture and rich natural resources.

The festival, which will run from June 24 to July 1, will honor the 'Dabaonons' proud heritage, multicultural identity, resiliency and creativity, said Davao del Norte provincial tourism head Noel Daquioag.

Among the activities lined up for the festival is the holding of the Investment Conference (ICon), in partnership with the BIMP-EAGA (Brunei Darussalem-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area) in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Daquioag said the festival is also being supported by the Department of Tourism, which is also organizing a tourism fair featuring interactive exhibits to be showcased in an open-air pavilion in partnership with the local government units and industry leaders.

The exhibit, he said, will be on the province's must-visit destinations, such as popular beaches and waterfalls, coral gardens, marine park, and culture farm for pearls. Another pavilion will feature an Agri-Aqua Trade Expo with a highly-interactive exhibit of industry-based products.

Daquioag said one of the main highlights will be the Binibining DavNor 2018, which organizers hope to become the grandest beauty pageant in the region.

I am honored and blessed being invited to become one of the distinguished judges along with selected government official, beauty queens, beauty pageant mentors and other influential personalities.

Another will be the Hudyaka 2018, featuring the different festivals all over Mindanao, showcasing the heritage of the island's tribes and ethnic groups.

Meanwhile, some 300 participants will see action during the MUSAMAN TriDavNor National Triathlon competing in the 1.5-km swim, 40 km bike and 10-km run.

Daquioag said the race aims a promote a healthier lifestyle and at the same time promote the province's tourism sites.