Governor's Ball kicks off 65th Miss Universe Competition charity drive

By Francis Calubaquib

​One the most exclusive events that are part of the run-up to the Miss Universe Competition will happen at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City this January 16th.
The Governor's Ball, named after former Ilocos Sur governor Luis "Chavit" Singson (LCS), is a special gala where members of high society get an opportunity to have a close encounter with the beauty candidates of the 65th Miss Universe in black-tie dinner, which features entertainment by exceptional performances from world-class talents.
Singson's LCS Group will lead this extraordinary gathering and is expected to be joined by top executives from his major partners at the Miss Universe Competition: Okada Manila, Solar Entertainment Inc., and SM Lifestyle Entertainment Corp.; sponsors: Philippine Airlines and Pass It Forward; and regional sponsors: JPark Island Resort and Waterworld Cebu, and the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio. Select current and former representatives from government are likely to be invited, as well as officials from the Miss Universe Organization (MUO).

An integral component to its operations, the MUO has always advocated worthy causes such as the global fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic. In keeping with the pageant's traditions, they also encourage pageant winners and host countries to likewise support their chosen charities.
Singson, the man whose remarkable vision was to bring the annual beauty competition back home to the Philippines, will use the Governor's Ball as a way to bring together his staunchest pageant supporters while rolling out the red carpet for their international guests at a private and very upscale fundraiser.
The Governor's Ball will also be an avenue for campaign awareness of Pass It Forward (PIF), a philanthropic outfit that acts similarly like a charitable "market place," facilitating the engagement between givers (individuals, corporations, and foundations) and receivers (charities) to come together.
"The Governor’s Ball will be an opportunity to showcase to those who attend how they can make a positive change in the community," said Pass It Forward Managing Director Terry Alan Farris. "If we could get 1% of the viewers of the Miss Universe to give back and support the nonprofits of the Philippines, think of the impact we can make."
To date, nonprofits like Gawad Kalinga, the ABS-CBN Foundation, Philippine Red Cross, and others have been the primary recipients of the Pass It Forward charities. For years, Singson has been PIF's main benefactor.
"I've maintained a long-term relationship with the Pass It Forward because the idea of building capacities for all nonprofit organizations in the Philippines – instead of just focusing on a few – appeals to me," said Governor Singson. "I promise the Governor's Ball to be quite an evening, but I'm also hopeful that my friends' generosity will help my advocacy in Pass It Forward be just as successful."
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