MANILA: Reigning Miss Universe Sheynnis Palacios will visit the Philippines from May 1 to 6, the international pageant organisation announced on social media before midnight on April 29.
“We are thrilled to announce our visit to Philippines. A land of breathtaking landscape, rich culture and friendly faces. Where every corner tells a story of resilience and beauty [Philippine flag emoji],” the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) posted on its social media accounts.
In the accompanying image, Palacios is wearing an intricately embroidered gold “terno” gown with the signature butterfly sleeves. The visit is part of her Asian tour that saw her in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and China. Her scheduled trip to Indonesia and Malaysia were cancelled.
MUO owner Anne Jakrajutatip had earlier teased the visit on social media. “HELLO UNIVERSE!!! The Next Asia Tour Destinations are The Philippines [Philippine flag emoji] and India [Indian flag emoji],” she said.
In a separate post, Jakrajutatip said, “The Universe is calling an collecting data! [stars emoji] Mabuhay!!! The next Asia Tour destination is the Philippines!!!”
MUO Vice President for Global Partnerships Olivia Quido-Co, the California-based Filipino entrepreneur who is also the president of the Miss Universe Skincare and Spa, appeared in Jakrajutatip’s Tiktok video where she said Palacios is scheduled to have a motorcade in the Philippines. No other activities have been announced as of this writing.
With Palacios’ upcoming visit to the Philippines, the Nicaraguan beauty will become the third reigning Miss Universe titleholder to see the country in a span of three years. India’s Harnaaz Sandhu, who won in the 70th edition in 2021, came to Manila in 2022, while her successor R’Bonney Gabriel visited in 2023.
Palacios’ two predecessors made their respective appearances at the Miss Universe Philippines pageant’s coronation ceremonies in 2022 and 2023, but it has not been announced whether she will also make an appearance at the national competition.
The 2024 Miss Universe Philippines pageant will hold its coronation show at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on May 22, about two weeks from Palacios’ scheduled last day in the country. Gabriel will host the show. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
