(Eagle News) – It was a day the President wished would never end.
This was when 84 beautiful Miss Universe candidates surrounded him in Malacanang on Monday, January 23.
“I’d like to make an admission that never in my life I have been with a room full of beautiful women,” said Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.
“I hope this day will never end,” he said.
He did not go for his usual style of impromptu speeches, but read a speech specially prepared for him to read in the event.
“I usually do not read my speeches. I am not up to it really but this time because they told me that I must behave in my language, in the adjectives that I would be using to characterize or define your beauty, all of you,” he said.
The President also felt so blessed that day that he said: “I must say that God is really good. Aside from the worries of governance, with all the troubles in the world, when we look at you, we forget the universe, but only you.”
Mr. Duterte said it was a privilege and an honor for the Philippines to be the host country of the 65th Miss Universe pageant.
“It is an event which has undeniably brought enormous pride and joy for the countries of winning candidates,” he said as he also cited the victories of the Philippines’ former Miss Universe winners Ms. Gloria Diaz, Ms. Margarita Moran, and the reigning Ms. Pia Wurtzbach.
The President urged the candidates to use the competition to represent their respective countries to best of their abilities and to advance women empowerment.
“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 advocacies, and to advance women empowerment to a greater audience,” he said.
“More importantly, this is chance for you to make an impact, to inspire change, and even be the change that you wish to see in the world,” he added.
The Miss Universe pageant will be held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on January 30.
The President also said that he wished that the Miss Universe candidates had enjoyed the places in the Philippines that they have visited so far.
“I hope that the contestants had a wonderful time visiting place such as Vigan, Cebu, Baguio, Batangas, and Davao. It is truly a great honor for us to be sharing with you our most beautiful destinations including the rich culture and history behind each of these gems,” he said.