Raquel Pelissier would have been the first Miss Haiti to win Miss Universe if Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach crowned her as her successor. Before Pelissier, the time Haiti was closest to winning was in 1975 when Gerthie David was first runner-up to Anne Marie Pohtamo of Finland.
Pursuing her Master's Degree in Scientific Research in Optometry and Vision, Pelissier is currently working on a research project on the regeneration of the optic nerve. If crowned Miss Universe 2016, the Haitian beauty would like to help find a cure for blindness.
On Jan. 30, Monday, Wurtzbach crowned Iris Mittenaere as her successor at the Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines, while Pelissier finished first runner-up. The musical performers during the coronation night were Flo Rida and Boys II Men.
The judging panel included Miss Universe 1993 Dayanara Torres from Puerto Rico, Miss Universe 1994 Sushmita Sen from India and Miss Universe 2011 Leila Lopes from Angola. They were joined by TV and film producer Francine LeFrak, Paper Magazine editorial director Mickey Boardman and "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" star Cynthia Bailey.
Steve Harvey returned 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.
United States president Donald Trump has sent a message to Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte through officials of the Miss Universe Organization, Rappler has learned. Duterte acknowledged the message and thanked Miss Universe Organization president Paula Shugart, who she mistakenly identified as Miss USA 2016, a title that belongs to Deshauna Barber.
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 Shugart, Miss Universe 2016 host committee chairman Chavit Singson, and some Miss Universe 2016 candidates including Mittenaere and Pelissier.
Have a glimpse of the Miss Universe 2016 event in Baguio here: