From Gloria to Maxine: PAL again to fly Miss Universe candidates

Margie Moran (above, left) arrives in Manila after her Miss Universe win in 1973. She flew home on PAL. The national carrier has been flying Miss Universe beauties for decades, including (above, right) candidates to the 1974 pageant, held in Manila. Photos: Philippine Airlines

The Philippines' candidate to this year's Miss Universe pageant, Maxine Medina, is the daughter of a Philippine Airlines flight purser.

But this is not the only connection the national carrier has to the prestigious competition: it has been designated the official airline partner of the 65th edition of the pageant, to be held in the Philippines later this month.

PAL will be flying the 85 beauties to the nationwide destinations that are on the Miss Universe itinerary, such as Boracay, Vigan, Cebu and Batanes.

Miss Universe Philippines Maxine Medina was also named Miss Philippine Airlines at the Bb. PIlipinas pageant. Photo: Maxine Medina

Last month, the carrier flew Miss Universe Organization president Paula Shugart and several of the candidates to Manila and to Siargao for the pageant's kick-off event.

According to the airline in a statement, PAL's association with beauty queens dates at least as far back as 1969, when it flew the country's first Miss Universe, 18-year-old Gloria Diaz, back to Manila after her triumph.

It did the same for the country's second winner, Margie Moran, in 1973. It was also a sponsor of the 1974 pageant, which was held in the Philippines.

It was named the official carrier for the 1994 pageant, when the country hosted the Miss Universe competition for the second time.

Medina, a 26-year-old interior designer, was also named Miss Philippine Airlines during the Binibining Pilipinas competition in April where she took the top prize. — BM, GMA News