Fil-Ams going to Las Vegas to show support for Wurtzbach’s bid for Miss Universe

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Mikey Gatal and his friends —  Andy Doria, John Serate, Dr. Emmylou Sagaral, Rey Reformina, Paulina Gonzales, Bessie Besina and Lawrence Aizon– left Los Angeles, California, on Friday, for Las Vegas, Nevada to watch the 64th Miss Universe Pageant and show their support for Philippine bet, Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach.

The pageant night will be held at The Axis in Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino on Dec. 20 (Monday morning, Philippines time).

Gatal , a medical representative, said through Viber that they searched for flights to Las Vegas a month ago to support Wurtzbach.

Gatal, Doria and Serate recalled they watched the Miss Universe in 2006 together.

Gatal said Wurtzbach has been making jaws drop throughout the duration of the pageant.

Filipino fans arrived in huge numbers as they usually do, waving Philippine flags and chanting ‘Pia! Pia!’
“Her presence is strong. We are captivated by Pia,” he told Philippine Daily Inquirer on Viber.

Wurtzbach, according to Gatal, said she felt she never left home and she felt the love of her kababayans (countrymen).

Gatal said Wurtzbach could win the crown.

“I believe this is Pia’s time.She is very fierce, very lovable and most of all, she’s very intelligent as well,” he said. “I’ve seen her personally. She can be our next Miss Universe, the 3rd Miss Universe from the Philippines.”

For Digal, “Wurtzbachis a complete package: Beauty, grace and brains.”

Also seen at Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino were Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. chairperson Madame Stella Araneta and Filipinodesigner Albert Andrada who created the capiz terno in the national costume presentation.

The Philippines has two Miss Universe titles. The first was in  1969. which was won by Gloria Diaz and then in 1973, by Margie Moran.

Other Miss Philippines contestants who made it to the top 5 were Miriam Quimbao, Venus Raj, Shamcey Supsup, Janine Tugonon and Ariella Arida.  SFM