All is set for the ancillary event of Miss Universe 2017 as Department of Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo confirmed on Friday that reigning Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach will be joining the Mindanao Tapestry Fashion Show at SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premiere, Davao City on January 19.
The announcement was a reversal of the agency’s statement previously that did not indicate Wurtzbach’s attendance in the cultural fashion show.
During a press conference at Waterfront Insular Hotel, Davao City, Teo said the 88 candidates would be complete within the day to jumpstart the series of tours and events before the coronation night on January 30.
The secretary identified the key areas in the country that will be toured by the candidates namely Boracay, Vigan, Manila, Cebu, Baguio, Davao and Batangas.
DOT-XI Regional Director Robert Alabado expressed his gratitude and optimism with the key events this year that took place and will be held in the region.
“Davao has been very, very blessed with these main events for tourism because we see that it has gathered a lot of people going to the city. At the same time, we have the opportunity to promote the city to more international states,” said Alabado.
“For the Miss Universe, we’ll have the opportunity to project the image of Davao City to almost 90 contestants who are representing also 90 countries” he added.
Meanwhile, in a previous statement, the agency confirmed the participation of 10 Davao designers on the upcoming event, all of which are members of DFDCFI namely Alfonso Boy Guinoo who is an honorary member, Aztec Barba, Dodjie Batu, Emi Englis, Egay Ayag, Benjie Panizales, and Edgar Buyan. The other three designers in the list of 10 are Wilson Limon, Silverio Anglacer, and Kenny Ladaga.
Barba said in an interview that their designs will be inspired by Bagobo tribe aesthetics since they want their pieces to represent Davao while Englis pointed out that the neo-ethnic inspired dresses will also be inspired by the Mandaya tribe.
“The council will showcase a cohesive and strong collection,” said Barba.Aside from the 10, another 14 Davao designers will be participating in the foyer pre-show. They are Ronnie Nacua, Richie Delos Santos, Toffy Ledesma, Nicky de Asis, Steffy Dacalos, Windel Mira, Grand Crizzel Ravacio, Joey Hambala, Chard Pulate, Bamba Limon, Gil Macaibay, Mark Yaranon, Pepe Quitco, and John Bonniedick Adaza whose designs will be worn by local models.
