Miss Universe 2017 candidates arrive in PHL, send greetings to fans

Miss Universe Great Britain Anna Burdzy, Miss Universe Singapore Manuela Bruntraeger, Miss Universe Canada Lauren Emily Howe, Miss Universe Netherlands Nicky Opheij, Miss Universe Italy Maria Polverino, Miss Universe Russia Ksenia Alexandrova, Miss Universe Spain Sofia del Prado and Miss Universe Malaysia Samantha James arrived in the Philippines on Tuesday afternoon for the Miss Universe 2017 Winners Tour prepared by the Department of Tourism.

This is Miss Canada's first time in the Philippines and in an arrival video shared by Tourism Assistant Secretary Ricky Alegre, she said that she can't wait to experience first-hand all the good things she has heard about the country. 

Miss Singapore was all smiles in her arrival video and also expressed her enthusiasm to explore the Philippines.

Miss Great Britain in her video said that she treats the trip as a privilege and said that she's looking forward to seeing our great islands.

Miss Universe Malaysia, on the other hand, said she has fulfilled her long-time dream of coming to the Philippines.

GMA News' Nelson Canlas reported on "24 Oras" that the candidates from Russia, Italy and the Netherlands have also arrived in the Philippines to tour across the country as part of DOT's "bring home a friend project."

PANOORIN: Iba pang kandidata ng Miss Universe 2017 na sina Ms. Russia Ksenia Alexandrova, Ms. Italy Maria Polverino at Ms. Spain Sofia del Prado dumating na rin sa NAIA Terminal 1.@dzbb pic.twitter.com/E67U2uqnKH

— samnielsen (@dzbbsamnielsen) December 5, 2017

Others expected to arrive in the country are Miss Universe 2017 winner Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere, Miss India, Miss China, Miss Korea, and Miss USA.

Philippine representative Rachel Peters flew back to Philippines Monday and will be joining the candidates in the upcoming events.

On their first day, the candidates will go on a Manila tour, visiting the iconic sites of the country’s capital, Rizal Park and Intramuros.

On December 7, the ladies will be joining the DOT for a Christmas party. On December 8, they will start their provincial tours.

Nel-Peters will be touring Batanes, while Mittenaere will be visiting Bohol. The other candidates will be traveling to Camiguin with Peters.

On December 9, they will finish the whole event with the Women of Significance Gala Night at Sofitel in Manila.

The candidates will be flying back home to their countries on December 10. — Jannielyn Ann Bigtas/Margaret Claire Layug/AT/BM, GMA News