Before the official coronation of Miss Universe 2024, the Philippines has already earned a significant accolade, being named the “Best Host Tour Country” during the preliminary show. This recognition was bestowed by the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) as it celebrated the outstanding welcome given to reigning queen Sheynnis Palacios during her visits.
Jonas Gaffud, President of Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH), accepted the award at the conclusion of the national costume show and preliminary competition held at Arena CDMX in Mexico City on November 14 (November 15 in Manila).
MUPH shared their excitement on social media, stating, “True to our famed Filipino Hospitality, the Philippines was awarded Best Host Tour Country by the [MUO]… [a]n unexpected yet welcome feather in the cap of the organization that rolled out the red carpet and led the most touching and heartwarming welcome for [Palacios] during her visit.”
Palacios’ visit to the Philippines in May, accompanied by MUO officials Olivia Quido-Co and Mario Bucaro, was marked by enthusiastic receptions and events. One emotional highlight was a homecoming parade where Palacios was visibly moved by the warm welcome, especially upon seeing a Nicaraguan flag among the crowd. The reigning queen, who has yet to experience an official homecoming in her native Nicaragua due to political issues with the Ortega administration, held the flag to her chest and sobbed in gratitude.
In related news, Shereen Ahmed, a part-Filipino contestant representing Bahrain, was acknowledged as one of the seven “silver finalists” in the “Voice for Change” initiative. This group included contestants from Aruba, Thailand, Guinea, Finland, and Eritrea, with Cayman Islands sharing the popular vote spot.
The “gold winners” for the initiative were Juliana Barrientos from Bolivia, Ana Gabriela Villanueva from Guatemala, and Cambodia’s Davin Prasath, who also secured the popular vote.
Other recognitions included Jenelle Thongs of Trinidad and Tobago being named Miss Congeniality and Stefanie Cam of Honduras earning the title of “Best Skin.” Dennis Davila from Canada was awarded Best National Director, Vietnam received the Best National Pageant award, and Puerto Rico’s Yizette Cifredo was honored with the “Beyond the Crown” recognition.
The 73rd Miss Universe coronation night will take place on November 16 (November 17 in Manila) at the same venue, where Chelsea Manalo hopes to claim the fifth crown for the Philippines.
