Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach is back in her home country Philippines to grace various events prior to the much awaited coronation night. In a press conference on Jan. 13, Friday, the country's Department of Tourism secretary Wanda Teo confirmed Wurtzbach's presence at the 65th Miss Universe Ancillary event, which will be held at SMX Convention Center, Lanang, Davao City on Jan. 19.
"They (Miss Universe organizers) first said that only 12 candidates will be coming in the city, I reacted," Sun Star Davao quoted Teo as saying in a press conference at the Waterfront Insular Hotel. "I really pushed for more candidates to be coming here because I want them to see the beauty of Davao."
Wurtzbach arrived in the Philippines late on Jan. 14, Saturday. She will join around 20 to 30 Miss Universe candidates in Davao for the Ancillary event which features a fashion show and tour of the Eden Nature Park in Toril.
Aside from the Ancillary event in Davao, Wurtzbach also attended the Governor's Ball on Jan. 16, Monday, evening at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. The special gala and fundraising event aimed to bring together the staunchest pageant supporters all over the world. It was named after former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis "Chavit" Singson, the main man who reportedly brought Miss Universe to the Philippines.
The Miss Universe 2016 candidates will also be visiting other parts of the Philippines including, Baguio, Batangas, Boracay, Cebu, Manila and Vigan. Moreover, the contestants will pay a courtesy call with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte in Malacanang.
In an interview with ABS-CBN News, the outgoing Miss Universe 2015 Wurtzbach confirmed that she is ready to crown the new winner. She revealed that she will still be working with the organization as an ambassador even after her reign.
"I'm ready to pass on the crown to the new winner, and I'm happy and relieved that I'll still be working closely with the organization even after I pass on the crown," Wurtzbach said. "I'm excited because I'm ready to move forward."
The 65th Miss Universe pageant will be held at SM Mall of Asia-Arena, Pasay City on Jan. 30. American comedian and host Steve Harvey will return as host.
Watch the video below to see Pia Wurtzbach as looks back at her reign as Miss Universe 2015.