Philippine STAR: There have been rumors that you’re negotiating with the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) to acquire the Philippine franchise of the pageant from Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI), but Stella Marquez-Araneta just told media on Jan. 3 that the franchise is still with them. What’s the real score?
CHAVIT SINGSON: True, the franchise is already with me, but it has not yet been announced. I think it shall be formally announced this January or February, when Catriona comes back again to the Philippines. “Binibining Pilipinas Universe” will be replaced with “Miss Universe Philippines.” Noon pa binibigay sa akin ‘yan (It was being offered to me since before), because I’ve been helping them since 2016.
How did you get it when the Miss Universe franchise has been with the Aranetas for 55 years?
I dealt with them for the hosting of the Miss Universe pageant here in the Philippines in 2016. Instead of talking to many companies before, they just talked to me and I then gave them a non-refundable deposit of $1 million. Who would disagree to that, non-refundable? I gained their trust. Before the signing in 2016, they even first asked me to pay $12 million.
Is it true you’re helping stage Miss Universe this year? Where in South Korea will it be, and can you share some details?
Yes, it’s in South Korea, but I’m not yet sure exactly where. Before, it was held in Jeju island because it doesn’t require visas for foreign tourists. The 2019 Miss Universe will be unique because for the first time in history, North Korea will participate but no swimsuit portion for their candidate, only the national costume.
Are you courting Catriona Gray, because the first Instagram and Facebook photos I saw of you and her, the two of you were dining and havin wine on your private jet. Your comments about her?
Hindi, hindi (No, no), I’m not courting her. Catriona deserves the crown, she’s very confident, intelligent, beautiful. Walang masabi (nothing to say), she really deserves to win.
What did you tell Catriona after she won? How about President Duterte’s reaction to her?
I told her that her life will change and she said that she still couldn’t believe it… President Duterte? Natuwa siya, gusto nga niya i-appoint siya (he’s delighted, in fact he wants to appoint her) somewhere.
We’ve lifted transcipts of the breaking news directly from the Philippine Star Article… Read more at https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/sunday-life/2019/01/13/1884483/chavit-singson-getting-miss-universe-franchise-worlds-tallest-jesus-statue-duterte-pacquiao-erap-joma-marcos-ninoy#L6jaAFswY2Fhecoz.99
SASHES&SCRIPTS 
Incredulous! Why would the reporter insinuate she is courting Catriona by mere evidence of accompanying the same to an official function as sponsor of MUO? Pang tabloid itong reporter.
I dont know the implication of this action but my guess is its better to separate MUP from other minor crowns. The prestige of the former is evident and other minor crowns are riding to its coatails/exposure with no fee to MUO.
The selection process for MUP would be more diverse and stringent given its prestige as an alpha pageant as compared to it being lumped up together with the other crowns.
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Actually that is one of the things that makes this blogger raise an eyebrow. That question feels out of place and out of context in the interview…
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