Stella Araneta Marquez clarifies status of Miss Universe-Philippines franchise, Bb. Pilipinas Charities

FILE: Sister Queens Eva, Sam, Ms. Stella Araneta, Karen and Michele. (Photo: @bbpilipinasofficial/Instagram)

After the win of Miss Universe 2019 Catriona Gray, rumors quickly erupted that former Ilocos Sur governor and businessman Luis “Chavit” Singson will be purchasing the Miss Universe-Philippines franchise Binibining (Bb.) Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI), which chairperson Stella Marquez Araneta has finally clarified about.

In an interview last Thursday, January 3 during the send-off for Bb. Pilipinas-Intercontinental Karen Gallman at Novotel Hotel, Cubao, reporters questioned Stella on who is currently in possession of Miss Universe in the country, which she was quick to explain that “it’s still with [them]” and “If some people say anything else, let them talk about it.” She adds, “I was with the people of Miss Universe in this trip (to Bangkok for the 2018 competition). I have bonded with them for so many years.”

Madame Stella” also reveals that details about the search for the next Miss Universe-Philippines, also known as Bb. Pilipinas-Universe, will be announced soon, where aspiring beauty queens can also acquire the 2019 crowns for Bb. Pilipinas-International, Bb. Pilipinas-Grand International, Bb. Pilipinas-Globe, and Bb. Pilipinas-Intercontinental.

Initially, the transfer was discussed by Singson as he admitted in a radio interview that he was interested in purchasing the franchise. During the DZMM interview, he discussed his participation in the upcoming Miss Universe competition in South Korea, and when asked about buying the national pageant from the Aranetas sharing in Filipino, “I’m thinking about it. I’m still studying it,” saying he is hesitant because “it might be additional work.”

Chavit’s daughter Platinum Skies CEO Richelle Singson-Michael was also one of the judges during the recently-concluded pageant in Thailand. Last December 19, Miss Universe 2019 Catriona flew back to the Philippines in a private jet with the two, which further sparked the rumors.