Miss USA, Miss New Zealand join press briefing in Malacañang

The presence of two candidates in Malacañang on Friday erases any semblance of doubt about the 65th Miss Universe pageant being held in the Philippines in January next year.

Miss USA Deshauna Barber and Miss New Zealand Tania Pauline Dawson were the first delegates to arrive for the Miss Universe 2016 kick-off party and the first to face the Philippine press.

Miss USA and Miss New Zealand in Malacañang for a press briefing on Miss Universe pageant in January pic.twitter.com/k7GdU8AhGY

— Trisha Macas (@trishamacas) December 9, 2016

The pair arrived in Malacañang with former Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singson.

Miss Universe candidates Miss USA and Miss New Zealand have arrived here in Malacañang with ex-Gov. Chavit Singson pic.twitter.com/6Z6AdlF67I

— Trisha Macas (@trishamacas) December 9, 2016

During the press briefing, Tourism undersecretary Kat De Castro revealed that the candidates are scheduled to meet with President Rodrigo Duterte on January 23, 2017.

The 65th Miss Universe pageant will be held at the Mall of Asia Arena on January 30, 2017. — Aya Tantiangco/VVP, GMA News