TACLOBAN CITY – The upcoming photoshoot of Miss Universe Philippines (MUPh) candidates in Northern Samar is expected to boost the province’s tourism marketing and promotion, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT) in Eastern Visayas.
“Northern Samar is one of the less-traveled destinations despite having so much to offer. This is a great opportunity, and we are happy that MUPh collaborated with the provincial government of Northern Samar, through Governor Edwin Ongchuan, to showcase the province in such a prestigious event,” said DOT Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes.
Tiopes emphasized that the tourism department and local government units are exploring various platforms to promote the region’s tourism sites, cultural heritage, and cuisine to a wider audience, both locally and internationally.
“This is a significant chance to promote Northern Samar and let the world know that it is a unique place to visit. The destinations here are not the usual tourist spots people see every day,” she added.
Northern Samar Provincial Tourism Officer Maria Josette Doctor echoed Tiopes’ statement, highlighting the potential impact of the pageant candidates as social media influencers with large followings.
“When they visit Northern Samar, we will make sure to bring them to our best destinations, showcase our hospitality, and let them enjoy our food. Through them, we can present to the world what we have to offer as a tourist destination,” she said.
More than 60 candidates of this year’s MUPh pageant are set to visit Northern Samar from March 30 to April 2 for the photoshoot, which is one of the competition’s major events, according to John Allen Berbon, chief of the Provincial Information Office.
The event not only highlights the contestants’ grace and style but also places Northern Samar’s breathtaking landscapes in the spotlight. The province, known for its tagline “Explore, Experience, Enjoy,” is being positioned as a jewel of Philippine tourism.
“The selection of locations for the photoshoot has been carefully planned to showcase Northern Samar’s natural and cultural heritage. This collaboration provides a unique opportunity to elevate the province’s visibility on a global platform, in line with the Miss Universe Philippines organization’s vision of celebrating beauty, diversity, and cultural richness,” Berbon said.
Among the featured destinations are the Pink Sand Beach in Sila Island, San Vicente; Capul Island, the Biri Rock Formations in Biri; and the Pinusilan Blue Lagoon in Mapanas.
This marks the second time MUPh has chosen Eastern Visayas for a photoshoot, following their 2023 visit to Leyte, where they explored Kalanggaman Island in Palompon and sites in Basey and Marabut, both in Samar.
With this event, Northern Samar hopes to capture the interest of travelers and establish itself as a must-visit destination in the Philippines.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
