In 1957, Gladys Zender became the first Miss Peru to win Miss Universe and since then, the crown has yet to be given to another Peruvian candidate. This will change if Valeria Piazza, 26, wins Miss Universe 2016 and becomes Pia Alonzo Wurtbach's successor.
On Jan. 10, Piazza left Peru with Miss Peru 1986 Jessica Newton. Wearing a white outfit, Piazza took pictures with her fans when she arrived at Aeropuerto Internacional Jorge Chávez, Diario Correo reported.
Piazza graduated from Universidad de Lima with a degree in Communications. She would like to raise awareness against violence towards women and children if she becomes Miss Universe 2016.
On Jan. 30, Monday, Wurtzbach will crown her successor at the Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines. The musical performers during the Miss Universe 2016 coronation night are Boys II Men and Flo Rida.
Steve Harvey is returning as the host of the coronation night with "America's Next Top Model" judge Ashley Graham as the backstage host. The former arrived in Manila on Jan. 28, Saturday, ABS-CBN News reported.
With a new format, Top 12 will be chosen from the preliminary competition and will be announced during the coronation night. The semifinalists will then be trimmed down to Top 9, from which six will be selected to undergo one Q&A round. In the final round, the Top 3 candidates will only get a final look from the judges and fans before the second runner-up, first runner-up and the winner are announced.
The judging panel during the coronation night includes Miss Universe 1993 Dayanara Torres from Puerto Rico, Miss Universe 1994 Sushmita Sen from India and Miss Universe 2011 Leila Lopes from Angola. Joining them are theatrical, TV and film producer Francine LeFrak, Paper Magazine editorial director Mickey Boardman and "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" star Cynthia Bailey.
On Jan. 18, Wurtzbach participated in a dinner program in Baguio City, Philippines, which was hosted by Miss Universe 2011 third runner-up Shamcey Supsup. Distinguished people of the city welcomed them along with some Miss Universe 2016 candidates including Piazza.
Have a glimpse of Piazza's visit in Baguio here: