Chavit Singson confirms new ownership of Miss Universe PH

FILE: “Did you know that by hosting Miss Universe here in 2016, the many beautiful Philippine tourist destinations were aired in more than 170 countries to more than half a Billion viewers? So where do you think Miss Universe should be held this year?” (Photo: @arch_richellesingson/Instagram)

After numerous rumors and controversies circulated, former Ilocos Sur governor Luis “Chavit” Singson has confirmed with the media that he is officially the new owner of the Miss Universe Philippines Franchise.

Last Sunday, January 13, Chavit told The Philippine Star that, “True, the [Miss Universe Philippines] franchise is already with [him], but it has not yet been announced.” In his words, “ I think it shall be formally announced this January or February when Catriona comes back again to the Philippines.” He further elaborates in a mix of English and Filipino, “Binibining Pilipinas Universe will be replaced with ‘Miss Universe Philippines.’ I’ve been offered the franchise even before because I’ve been helping them since 2016.”

When referring to his involvement with the pageant organization for the past two years, Chavit explains, “I dealt with them for the hosting of the Miss Universe pageant here in the Philippines in 2016. Instead of talking to many companies before, they just talked to me and I then gave them a non-refundable deposit of $1 million. Who would disagree to that, non-refundable? I gained their trust. Before the signing in 2016, they even first asked me to pay $12 million.”

The businessman also says he looks forward to the upcoming Miss Universe 2019, which will be held in South Korea. Besides owning numerous establishments in the country, Chavit says that the country will also be a special place to hold the next edition of the international pageant because it will be the first time that North Korea will submit a candidate. He adds, “Before, it was held in Jeju island because it doesn’t require visas for foreign tourists. The 2019 Miss Universe will be unique because for the first time in history, North Korea will participate but no swimsuit portion for their candidate, only the national costume.”

Despite Chavit’s announcement, the Miss Universe Organization has yet to confirm the official owner of the Philippine franchise. Since 1964, the candidate representing the Philippines in the international Miss Universe pageant was always selected by the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI), chairperson Stella Araneta denying all rumors involving Chavit Singson just ten days ago. In an interview, ‘Madame Stella’ stated, “[The franchise] is still with us. If some people say something else, let them talk about it.”