More than 100 beautiful women from all over the world are arriving in the Philippines this week to participate in the 46th staging of Mrs. Universe, which will be held from Oct. 1 to 9 and culminating in a Grand Coronation Night on Oct. 8 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City.

A highlight of the international pageant is the candidates' courtesy call to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. in Malacanang Palace on Monday, Oct. 2. On this same day; the ladies will also be welcomed by officials of the tourism department and the Intramuros Administration. In the evening, a party will be dubbed "Salsa Night" in Revel BGC so the contestants can enjoy the famed Manila nightlife.

Mrs. Universe is a worldwide pageant established in 2007 and is based in Bulgaria. Each year, it seeks to award "the most honorable woman" who must be involved in a significant cause. To join, candidates must be between 18 to 55 years old.

The Mrs. Universe title has eluded the Philippines since its participation. Still, National Director Maria Charo Calalo expressed hopes that this year's country representatives will make their mark in the highly competitive tilt. Before being granted the pageant's franchise, Charo was Mrs. Universe Philippines 2019-2020  and a Top 18 finalist when she competed internationally in 2019.

Charo likened her candidates to a flower. "Their beauty is unique and incomparable. Meron silang kani-kanilang ganda."

"Ever since I became the national director of Mrs. Universe Philippines, it has been my dream to hold the international pageant here in the Philippines, and now it has come true. I feel pressured but, at the same time, happy. Excited na kaming lahat at malapit na. Maganda at pinaghandaan talaga namin ang event, that's all I can say,"  the beauteous Charo, who is also an actress, stated.

Mrs. Universe  Philippines 2023 is Arlene Cris Damot, and the rest of the members of her court are also competing. They are Shirley Garcia (Mrs. Universe PH North West Asia 2023), Ma. Steia Sian (Mrs. Universe PH North Pacific Asia 2023), Monaliza Hernandez Salenga (Mrs. Universe PH North East Asia 2023), Mira Flor Rodis ( Mrs. Universe PH Pacific Continental 2023), and Betchay  De Dios (Mrs. Universe PH West Pacific 2023).

All six Filipina candidates had their sendoff ceremony at Cerveseria restaurant in BGC last week, where they shared their preparations and expressed their readiness to advocate for the theme of this year's pageant, which is speaking against domestic violence. They also expressed excitement with the pageant's exchange gift activity, where they are expected to prepare souvenirs for each of the 100 contestants. 

Aside from the courtesy call to government officials, Anshari Alonto - managing director of 2xsist Events Productions, which is mounting the Miss Universe PH pageant - revealed the remaining schedule of the one-week stay of the international beauties in the Philippines. These are Sashing Ceremony at Lime Hotel Manila on Oct. 1, Forum and Friendship Night on Oct. 3, Queen's Ball at the Manila Hotel in October, a tour of Manila tourist spots like Rizal Park on Oct. 5, rehearsals on Oct. 6, and a Pre-Pageant night on Oct. 7 where the women will compete for the National Costume and Evening Gown competitions. The Grand Coronation Night ceremonies start at 6 p.m. on Oct. 8 with Joaquin Domagoso and other artists as performers. 

Tickets are available at Newport World Resorts Box Office, TicketWorld at 891-9999, or (+63) 905 662 3378/(+63) 926 707 1571.