MISS UNIVERSE Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach will be coming home after all, giving hometown fans the chance to stage a once in a lifetime, red carpet welcome for their very own Miss Universe.
Originally scheduled to be in the country from January 23 to 29, the management of Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) extended Wurtzbach’s stay by a day following widespread clamor from Kagay-anons to allow their world-famous town mate some time with her kababayans and friends.
Wurtzbach is set to be in the city on January 29.
It is, however, still unclear if the reigning Miss Universe would spend the night in the city of her youth or would fly out on the same day.
Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District Representative Rufus Rodriguez called on all city officials, including rivals from other political camps, to set aside politics and jointly plan for Wurtzbach’s grand homecoming.
Rodriguez said he would be seeking a meeting with city officials to plan Wurtzbach’s reception.
“We need to meet, ako, Mayor Oscar Moreno, Vice Mayor Caesar Ian Acenas and all councilors, Congressman Rolando Uy, Congressman Maxi Rodriguez and even Governor Bambi Emano,” Rodriguez said.
“Let us put aside politics and come together to welcome our very own Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach who has given us so much pride and joy,” Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez said Moreno, being the father of the city, should lead in welcoming Wurtzbach.
“Willing ako moadto sa City Hall aron magkaistorya kami ni Mayor kalabot sa pag-welcome kang Pia,” Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez said he had earlier written Stella Marquez Araneta, chairperson of the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc., to request that Wurtzbach be allowed to proceed to Cagayan de Oro City so that Kagay-anons could give her a welcome fit for a queen.
Rodriguez, however, said he has yet to receive an official response from the BPCI regarding the change of plans.
“I would like to thank Ms. Stella Araneta, Chairperson of Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Incorporated, for heeding my request for a Cagayan de Oro City homecoming. The management of Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. has extended her stay in the Philippines and generously scheduled January 29, 2016 as her CdeO Homecoming so Pia can feel the love and pride of her fellow Kagay-anons,” Rodriguez said in an e-mail.
Rodriguez suggests that all officials should be at the Laguindingan Airport to welcome Wurtzbach. He said from the airport, the motorcade would proceed to the St. Augustine’s Cathedral where a thanksgiving mass will be offered, followed by a motorcade along the city’s major streets leading to the Pelaez Sports Center where a program will be held and where the people could meet and greet Wurtzbach.
Rodriguez said he hopes Wurtzbach can be an ambassador as well and help in highlighting the city’s positive aspects.
“Around 300 international media baya mag-cover sa mga activities ni Pia so makita sa kalibutan kung unsa ka peaceful, friendly ang mga tawo and kinahanglan magsugod na ta limpyo sa atong syudad karon,” Rodriguez said.