A WEEK before the most-awaited beauty pageant, some 84 Miss Universe candidates paid a visit to President Rodrigo Duterte at the Malacañang Palace on Monday.
The President was all-smiles when he greeted the Miss Universe hopefuls.
Duterte, in a speech delivered before the contestants, said in jest: "I'd like to make an admission that never in my life have I been in a room full of beautiful ladies. It is a privilege and an honor and I hope this day will never end."
Duterte wished all the candidates to represent well their respective countries and be able to promote their different advocacies.
He said they now have the opportunity to "make an impact and aspire change."
"More than presenting beauty and brains, the Miss Universe competition or any beauty contestant for that matter is an opportunity for you to represent your country, to promote your advocacy, and to advance women empowerment to a greater values," the President said.
"More importantly, it is a chance for you to make an impact, to aspire change and even be the change that you wish to see in the world," he added.
All 84 beauty aspirants strutted with poise and confidence during the presentation.
Each candidate gracefully walked before the President, Cabinet officials, the press, and the general audience.
The ladies flaunted their slender figures in elegant dresses.
Miss Switzerland Dojana Cvijetic and Miss Finland skipped the events because they were "not feeling well," the Department of Tourism told reporters in a text message.
The 65th Miss Universe grand coronation will be held in Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on January 30, 8 a.m. (SunStar Philippines)