With beauties, Duterte hopes “this day will never end”  

January 23, 2017

Hoping that “this day will never end”, President Rodrigo Duterte welcomed on Monday in Malacanang more than 80 candidates of the 65th Miss Universe competition set next week.

The 71-year old Duterte, apparently mesmerized by the beautiful women, said he had to read his speech instead of doing it spontaneously because he was told to "behave in my language, in the adjectives that I would be using to characterize or define your beauty."

"Before I proceed, I’d like to make an admission that never in my life I have been with a room full of beautiful women. This is either privilege and an honor and I hope that this day will never end," Duterte said, drawing laughter from the audience.

"And I must say that God is really good. Aside from the worries of governance, with all the troubles in the world, when we look at you, we forget the universe, but only you, said Duterte"

Of the 86 candidates, 84 were present. The candidates from Finland and Switzerland were not feeling well due to the heat,  Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo told reporters.

"They have to rest...they are not used to hot weather," she said.

Teo said the organizer has sent an invitation for Duterte to attend the coronation day.

"We hope he will attend. But there is no commitment yet," Teo said.

Duterte expressed gratitude to the Miss Universe Organization for allowing the Philippines to host the event, which coronation day would be held on January 30 at the Mall of Asia Arena inPasay City.

He assured the candidates the Department of Tourism and its partners in the private sector have prepared well to make this an event to remember.

"And I am equally confident that our host, communities, and the Filipino people would themselves have given and will give each candidate many precious memories to hold on," he said.

He hoped the candidates had a wonderful time visiting places, such as Vigan, Cebu, Baguio, Batangas and Davao, saying "it is truly a great honor for us to be sharing you your most beautiful destinations including the rich culture and history behind each of these gems."

"More than presenting beauty and brains, the Miss Universe competition or any beauty contestant for that matter is an opportunity for you to represent your country, to promote your advocacies, and to advance women empowerment to a greater audience. More importantly, this is chance for you to make an impact, to inspire change, and even be the change that you wish to see in the world," he said.

"Once again, please accept our modest hospitality, and our offer of enduring friendship, our warmest welcome and promise an even more delights in the days to come."

Most members of the Cabinet were also present during the event. Some of them even had selfie with the candidates. Celerina Monte/DMS