Miss Universe Philippines 2021 candidates experience a river cruise in Loboc town, Bohol. (Photo: Loboc Tourism Office)
TAGBILARAN CITY — The candidates of the Miss Universe-Philippines 2021 got a glimpse of the beauty and wonders of Bohol province which will host the coronation night on September 30.
The 28 candidates arrived in Bohol on Sunday morning and stayed on Panglao Island.
On Monday, the candidates, together with reigning Miss Universe Philippines Rabiya Mateo, toured the local attractions of the province.
They visited the Nuestra Senora de la Luz (Our Lady of Light Parish Church) in Loon town which was opened to the public last Sept. 7, eight years after it was destroyed by a strong earthquake in 2013.
In a Facebook post, Tagbilaran Bishop Alberto Uy thanked the candidates who participated in a tree-planting activity.
The candidates had lunch at Vita Isola Leisure Farm owned by Raymond Roldan which showcased not only the Boholano cuisines but a farm to table experience.
The candidates also visited the Fort of Saint Vincent Ferrer or commonly known as Punta Cruz Watchtower in Maribojoc town.
It was built in 1796 to help guards keep watch for approaching invaders during the pre-Hispanic era.
The candidates also visited the Loboc town to experience the river cruise.
Other candidates enjoyed dolphin watching and free diving at Balicasag Island.
Miss Manila Jasmine Umali, one of the candidates of Miss Universe Philippines 2021, said it was her first time to see dolphins up close in the ocean.
“I was just smiling the whole time and I am just beaming with gratitude,” she said.
Miss Cebu Province Steffi Rose Aberasturi also posted a photo of the world-famous Chocolate Hills.
The finals of the Miss Universe Philippines 2021 beauty pageant will be on Sept. 30.
The winner will succeed Rabiya Mateo of Iloilo and will represent the country in the global Miss Universe tilt in Israel in December.