REIGNING queen Pia Wurtzabach is finally joining the candidates from all over the world to one of the most exclusive pre-pageant activities of the Miss Universe competition, the Governor's Ball.
Named after former Ilocos Sur governor Luis "Chavit" Singsong, the special gala is scheduled on Monday evening, January 16, at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
Attendees will also be treated with performances from world-class local talents.
In keeping with the pageant's traditions, the Miss Universe Organization has also encouraged pageant winners and host countries to advocate worthy causes and likewise support charities.
Singson, the main man who brought the international pageant to Philippine soil, will use the Governor's Ball as a way to bring together his staunchest pageant supporters while rolling out the red carpet for their international guests at the private fundraiser.
The event will also serve as a venue for the campaign awareness of Pass It Forward (PIF), a philanthropic outfit that acts similarly like a charitable market place, facilitating the engagement between givers (individuals, corporations, and foundations) and receivers (charities) to come together.
"The Governor’s Ball will be an opportunity to showcase to those who attend how they can make a positive change in the community," said Pass It Forward Managing Director Terry Alan Farris.
Farris added that non-profit organizations in the country will benefit a lot if they could get at least 1% of the viewers of the Miss Universe to give back.
To date, non-profits like Gawad Kalinga, the ABS-CBN Foundation, Philippine Red Cross, and others have been the primary recipients of the Pass It Forward charities.
Singson has been PIF's main benefactor for years.
"I've maintained a long-term relationship with Pass It Forward because the idea of building capacities for all nonprofit organizations in the Philippines – instead of just focusing on a few – appeals to me. I promise the Governor's Ball to be quite an evening, but I'm also hopeful that my friends' generosity will help my advocacy in Pass It Forward be just as successful," he ended. (SunStar Philippines)