The organizers and officials of the Miss Universe 2016 beauty pageant said on Wednesday the 65th edition of the international beauty competition will be held in January 2017 in Manila, the Philippines.
Shawn McClain, the Vice President of Miss Universe Organization, has signed contracts with Philippine sponsors led by former governor Chavit Singson. The sponsors would invest US$11 million in the event. Singson said he was happy that the Miss Universe pageant was "back home."
The Miss Universe 2016 coronation will be held on January 30, 2017 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
According to McClain, the Miss Universe Organization wants to host the contest again in Manila due to its "energetic" and "engaged" fan base. McClain said the live broadcast of the pageant reportedly draws 500 million viewers worldwide, including many from the Philippines.
The Philippines was the first country in Asia to host the Miss Universe pageant in 1974. The competition was again held there in 1994.
Filipina beauty queen Pia Wurtzbach was the winner of the Miss Universe 2015.
