Miss Universe 2016 pageant is crawling towards the finale and has finally reached the last week. With just 3 days left for the gala coronation, the excitement and the pressure can definitely be felt. A total of 86 contestants are fighting the battle this year, and only 1 will make her way to the coveted crown. Last night, the candidates fought their way through the Preliminary Competition, which must have got them prepared for the finale.
As we reported to you earlier that Miss Universe 1994 Sushmita Sen is making a comeback to Manila to judge the finale, the beauty queen has finally arrived in Manila on Thursday. She will be among the judges of the 65th Miss Universe pageant slated on January 30th. The former Miss Universe expressed her excitement of coming back to Philippines, and addressed the country as her second home.
As Sushmita arrived in Manila, she was overwhelmed with such warm welcome and mentioned that the hospitality of the Filipino fans haven’t changed. Although she was surprised to see a lot of changes in the country’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport. She earlier told her companions, “When we land in Manila, I will show you how the airport works. Suddenly, when we came here, I didn’t recognize anything,” Sen said, adding that the airport has changed so much.
On her arrival, Sen was also questioned about her answer during the Miss Universe 1994 pageant to the question What is the essence of being a woman?”, and if she still remembers it. She uttered, “the origin of a child is a mother, and is a woman,” and emphasized that she understands that better now. Sen who has two daughters said, “That (motherhood) is a lifelong commitment.”
Sushmita also said that she is excited to meet former Misss Universes. “I know Dayanara (Torres) is here. I was also hoping to see Charlene (Gonzales),” she said. Torres is also in Manila and was one of the judges at the Preliminary Competition of Miss Universe 2016. Charlene Gonzales was also a contestant at Miss Universe 1994. Sen admitted that although she is not friends with Charlene, she will never forget how nice and helpful she was to her. The former beauty also expressed her gratitude for this opportunity that allowed her to come back to the Philippines.
