Miss Universe 2016: Everything you need to know about the pageant

MANILA, Philippines – Pageant fever is taking over this January as Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach is set to crown her successor right here in Manila.

More than 80 candidates from all over the world have already begun to arrive in Manila, while Miss Universe Organization representatives and of course, Pia herself, are set to be in the country for the month-long event too. (IN PHOTOS: Miss Universe candidates arrive in Manila)

All the events will lead up to one big night – coronation night – which will be held on Monday, January 30 at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena at 8 am.

Before we get swept up in all the exciting pageant news and tidbits, here’s a quick recap of the last Miss Universe and a rundown of what to expect this year.

Miss Universe 2015 recap

When Pia Wurtzbach was crowned Miss Universe, it was, in her words, “very non-traditional… very 2015.”

Pia was on her 3rd attempt at Miss Universe and by the end of coronation night 2015, it was down to her and Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez.

Host Steve Harvey announced Ariadna was the winner before coming back onstage, apologizing, and correcting himself – the winner was actually Miss Philippines.

People were still talking about the gaffe weeks after it happened, but Steve, Ariadna, and Pia have all settled the issue and have spoken about it since then.

Read more on Pia’s Miss Universe journey here:

• IN PHOTOS: Pia Wurtzbach’s 3-year Miss Universe journey
• Photo recap: Miss Universe 2015 preliminary competition
• LOOK: Miss Universe PH 2015 Pia Wurtzbach’s national costume
• Pro-US bases? Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach should get a briefing, activists say
• Mix-up seen ’round the universe: Host Steve Harvey announces wrong winner
• PH’s Pia Wurtzbach wins Miss Universe 2015
• WATCH: Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach’s triumphant winning moment
• WATCH: Miss Philippines, Miss Colombia speak up on Miss Universe 2015 mix-up
• PHOTO RECAP: Miss Universe 2015 coronation night
• WATCH: Pia Wurtzbach’s first interview as Miss Universe 2015
• Steve Harvey releases first statement on Miss Universe 2015 mix-up

Will Steve Harvey host the pageant again?

Yes, Steve Harvey will host Miss Universe 2016, despite President Rodrigo Duterte’s initial reluctance. Along with him is model Ashley Graham. (READ: Duterte doesn’t want Steve Harvey to host Miss Universe 2016)

Who else will be visiting the country for the pageant? 

Aside from Steve Harvey, Ashley Graham, and Pia Wurtzbach, 86 Miss Universe candidates will also be flying to the Philippines. 

Along with them wil be Miss Universe Organization representatives, including president Paula Shugart.

Miss Universe 1994 Sushmita Sen, who was crowned in Manila, has confirmed that she will be one of the judges of the pageant. (READ: Duterte to judge Miss Universe pageant?)

Flo Rida has also been confirmed as a performer.

The following former Miss Universe contestants are also in Manila for the pageant: 

• Miss Universe 1991 Lupita Jones 
• Miss Universe 2005 Natalie Glebova
• Miss Universe 2007 Rio Mori 
• Miss USA 2014 Nia Sanchez 
• Miss Universe Great Britain 2014 Gracie Levy
• Miss Universe 2014 2nd runner up Diana Garkusha
• Miss Costa Rica 2014 Kary Ramos
• Miss Norway 2015 Martine Rødseth
• Miss USA 2015 Olivia Jordan

What will the candidates do in the Philippines?

The ladies will be busy with many events before the pageant, touring the country, meeting the president, and of course, getting ready for the preliminary competition. (IN PHOTOS: Miss Universe 2016 candidates explore Manila)

The girls are set to visit the following locations during their stay, according to the 65th Miss Universe Instagram. 

• January 14 – Boracay
• January 15 – Vigan
• January 17 – Cebu 
• January 18 – Baguio
• January 19 – Davao and Batangas

Aside from fashion shows, press presentations, and charity events, other noteworthy activities have been set for the following weeks. This story will be updated as more events are confirmed through the host committee.

• January 16, 6:30 pm – Governor’s Ball
• January 23 – National Gift Auction; courtesy call with President Rodrigo Duterte
• January 26 – Preliminary show and National Costume show
• January 29 – Red carpet welcome
• January 30 – Coronation Night; Coronation Ball
• National Costume Competition

Who is organizing the pageant in the Philippines? How much did it cost?

To stage Miss Universe, the private sector had to provide an estimated $15 million.

Ever since Department of Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo gave word that the pageant would be held in the Philippines, she assured that the private sector would shoulder all the expenses for the event.

The official host of the Miss Universe pageant in the Philippines is the LCS Group, founded by businessman and former Ilocos Sur governor Luis “Chavit” Singson.

Official partners from the Philippines for the pageant include the Department of Tourism, Okada Manila, Solar Entertainment, Inc, and SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc, Philippine Airlines, and Pass It Forward.

Architect Richelle Singson-Michael is the chairman of the Miss Universe Host Committee.

Who is the Philippines’ Miss Universe bet?

This year, Maxine Medina will be walking the stage on coronation night for the Philippines.

Maxine, 26, is an interior designer and a pageant newcomer – Binibining Pilipinas 2016 was her first pageant. ([READ] 9 fun facts: Miss Universe Philippines 2016 Maxine Medina)

There is some pressure on Maxine as she enters the pageant. Of course, fans are hoping for a back-to-back win, but also, as the country’s representative, she’s set to act as a host to the ladies who will visit.

Her national costume and evening gown for the pageant will be designed by Rhett Eala.

Previous Miss Universe titleholders from the Philippines, aside from Pia, are Gloria Diaz (1969) and Margarita “Margie” Moran (1973).

The pageant was also held in the Philippines twice before: in 1974, when Margie crowned Amparo Muñoz of Spain, and in 1994, when Puerto Rico’s Dayanara Torres crowned Sushmita Sen of India.

Read more on Maxine Medina on Rappler here:

• 9 fun facts: Miss Universe Philippines 2016 Maxine Medina
• How Maxine Medina is preparing for Miss Universe in PH
• WATCH: Miss Universe PH 2016 Maxine Medina’s winning response in Bb Pilipinas Q&A
• WATCH: The moment Maxine Medina became Miss Universe Philippines 2016
• Maxine Medina confident of back-to-back PH win for Miss Universe
• Miss Universe PH 2016 Maxine Medina on the challenge of a back-to-back win

How can I watch the Miss Universe 2016 coronation night?

Fans can buy tickets to watch coronation night through SM Tickets outlets and smtickets.com. Tickets are priced at: ([READ] Miss Universe in PH: Ticket prices revealed)

• VIP: P50,000
• Lower Box A: P25,800
• Lower Box B: P23,800
• Upper Box: P4,800
• General Admission: P2,000

The pageant’s coronation night will be aired on Monday, January 30 in the Philippines through Solar’s etc channel. In the US, Fox will air coronation night on Sunday, January 29. 

Bookmark this page as we update it with more details about the 65th Miss Universe pageant as they are announced, and follow Rappler for more Miss Universe news! – Rappler.com