Recap: 6 Things That Happened During the Cebu Stop of Miss Universe 2016

by The Cebuano · January 23, 2017

January is a pretty exciting and hectic month for Cebuanos. Just days after the massively successful Sinulog Grand Parade, the much-talked about Cebu leg of the Miss Universe 2016 competition took place. Mactan Island’s top tourist haunt Jpark Island Resort and Waterpark Cebu played host to this prestigious international gathering which put Cebu and the whole country for that matter, right at the center of all the action.

Almost a hundred gorgeous ladies from all corners of the world traveled to Cebu to take part in several Miss Universe ancillary and sponsor events. These special events were also attended by thousands of people who flew in just to show their support for their respective candidates.

Check out these 6 exciting events that took place during the Cebu leg of the grand beauty tilt here in Cebu:

1. Candidates Arrive in Mactan

On January 17, 2017, the candidates of the Miss Universe 2016 competition arrived in Cebu for the various ancillary and sponsor events. The candidates were housed at the posh JPark Island Resort and Waterpark in Mactan Island, Cebu.

The first batch of candidates was scheduled to arrive at the resort at 8 in the morning. By 7 am, everyone was already in place for their arrival. The lobby of the resort was filled to the rafters with members of the local, national, and international media.

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza arrives at the resort to make sure that everything is in proper order before the arrival of the candidates.

Cebu Vice-Governor Agnes Magpale arrives at the resort to help welcome the lovely candidates.

Finally, a few minutes later, the official buses carrying the candidates arrived. Among the first to step down from the bus was Htet Htet Htun from Myanmar.

She was followed closely by Japan’s Sari Nakazawa.

Carolyn Carter from the U.S. Virgin Islands is all smiles as she passes through the main hallway.

Later, the second bus carrying more candidates arrived at the main driveway of JPark Island Resort and Waterpark.

Inside the main lobby, Sinulog dancers and the festive Sinulog beat welcomed the candidates.

Last to arrive was reigning Miss Universe Pia Alonso Wurtzbach. Everyone wanted to get closer to take a picture of her. The people just couldn’t get enough of the universe’s reigning queen.

Local, national, and international media surround Pia at the main photo wall.

Pia waves at her fans who had been waiting patiently behind the cordon since 7 in the morning.

2. Candidates in their Swimwear

After a quick breakfast, the candidates were then taken to their respective dressing rooms to allow them to prepare for the main event.

photo from the official JPark FB Page

And one by one, the candidates were presented to the press and the adoring guests in their swimwear. The Triton Ballroom of JPark Island Resort and Waterpark was filled with high energy as everyone cheered for their bets.

3. The Candidates and the Little Misses

The Miss Universe 2016 candidates also had a chance to walk with their Little Miss Universe counterparts.

photo from the Official Lapu-Lapu City FB Page

During a special event, the Miss Universe candidates walked down the runway with local school girls dressed in different national costumes.

photo from the Official Lapu-Lapu City FB Page

4. Candidates Visit the Uniqlo Store

In the afternoon of January 17, a few candidates left Lapu-Lapu City to attend to several sponsor events in Cebu City. The group’s first stop was the UNIQLO store in SM Seaside City at the South Road Properties.

For this very special event, Uniqlo closed their entire shop on the second floor of SM Seaside City Cebu.

Uniqlo store in SM Seaside City Cebu where several Miss Universe candidates shopped for amazing ‘lifewear.’

When they were ready, the members of the local media were ushered in. And one by one, the candidates were introduced.

Miss Universe 2016 candidates wearing their Uniqlo pants, shirt, and jacket.

Uniqlo Philippines COO Katsumi Kubota with the lovely Miss Universe 2016 candidates.

After a short message from Mr. Kubota, the candidates were once again presented one by one for a photo shoot.

Mariam Habach, Venezuela | Zuzana Kollarova, Slovak Republic

Cheryl Chou, Singapore | Teodora Dan, Romania

Lizelle Esterhuizen, Namibia | Kiran Jassal, Malaysia

Kezia Warouw, Malaysia | Roshmitha Harimurthy, India

Nuka Karalashvili, Georgia | Andrea Bezdekova, Czech Republic

Cherell Williamson, Bahamas

5. Flawless of the Universe Named

After their short photoshoot at Uniqlo, the group moved straight to the Flawless store in SM Seaside City Cebu. There, the team from Flawless, together with members of the local media, as well as hundreds of fans, await their arrival.

photo from the official Flawless Cebu FB Page

During their visit, the Flawless team handed out the Flawless of the Universe special award. The winner, who received a sash and a USD 1000 cash price was Mariam Habach of Venezuela.

photo from the official Flawless Cebu FB Page

6. Havana DJ Party at JPark

Later that evening, the Havana DJ Party was held at JPark Island Resort and Waterpark.

The outdoor party was attended by hundreds of guests and supporters of this year’s candidates.

Spotted at the party were famous personalities from the capital.

Among those who joined the party were local celebrities Richard Hwan, Benjamin Alvez, and Undersecretary for Public Affairs, Communications and Special Projects Katherine De Castro.