Miss Universe candidates arrive in PHL

Miss USA Deshauna Barber (Pictured) was among those who arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2. (Photo: Deshauna Barber/ Facebook)

MANILA –The bulk of candidates for the Miss Universe 2016 pageant have started arriving Thursday in Manila in preparation for the series of events leading to the coronation night on January 30 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Miss USA Deshauna Barber was among those who arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2.

When asked why she should win the prestigious title, she said “I think I have to win because I represent women around the world.”

Barber is the first woman actively serving the United States Military Reserve to win Miss USA.

Others who showed up together shortly after the arrival of Miss USA were Miss Canada Siera Bearchell and Miss British Virgin Islands Erika Creque.

Bearchell said she advocates for the empowerment of young women in the society as she cites her experience being bullied in her younger years. “I want to win for every young women,” she said.

For her part, Creque proudly promoted her country and expressed her excitement to partake in every pageant activity.

At around dawn, Miss Costa Rica Carolina Duran and Miss Nicaragua Marina Jacoby also arrived.

At least 46 Miss Universe candidates are expected to arrive today from 4 a.m. to 11 p.m..

Earlier this week, four candidates –US Virgin Islands, Guyana, Brazil, and Sierra Leone –also arrived.

Over 80 bets are expected to compete in the world’s most prestigious pageant.