Pia Wurtzbach in PHL this week with Miss Universe candidates ahead of pageant

Reigning Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach will lead the welcome party for candidates for the 65th Miss Universe pageant that will be held in the country.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Sec. Wanda Teo on Tuesday said that 11 candidates will be arriving on Dec. 10 to attend the kick-off program the following day at Conrad Hotel.

"[Pia] will be coming on the 10th, together with the 11 candidates. She'll be here, and they'll be doing a courtesy call with the President," Teo told reporters during the launch of "Pasko sa Intramuros."

The 65th Miss Universe will be held at Mall of Asia arena on January 30, 2017. The candidates will tour the country ahead of the competition.

Teo said that the candidates will fly to Siargao on Dec. 11.

Other cities they will be visiting include Davao, Bicol, Cebu, and Vigan.

They will also be holding photoshoots in other locations such as Baguio and Iloilo. —JST, GMA News