Pia, Miriam react to 'No Miss Universe in PH' petition | ABS-CBN

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Pia, Miriam react to 'No Miss Universe in PH' petition

Pia, Miriam react to 'No Miss Universe in PH' petition

ABS-CBN News

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MANILA – “Akong bahala, guys. Kalma lang (I’ll take care of it, guys. Calm down).”

Reigning Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach promised that she will do her best to make sure that the next edition of the international pageant will be held in the country.

This after leaders of various women’s groups sent a letter to the Miss Universe organizing committee, asking it to reconsider holding the pageant in the Philippines in January 2017.

They cited the “objectionable, scandalous and demeaning sexist attitude demonstrated by the newly elected leaders of our country, by no less than President Rodrigo Duterte, and his cohorts towards womankind.”

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“Ipaglalaban ko ‘yan (I will fight for this). I want the competition in my home country!” the New York-based Wurtzbach wrote in a Twitter post on Monday night (Manila time).

Just recently, Wurtzbach raised caution in drawing conclusions from mere gossip, referring to rumors that Miss Universe will no longer be staged in the country in 2017.

It was last July when Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo announced that the Philippines will host the next Miss Universe pageant. The pageant has so far been held in the country twice – in 1974 and 1994.

Miriam: Let’s focus on what we want

Miss Universe 1999 first runner-up Miriam Quiambao, meanwhile, believes that holding the pageant in the country next year will do more good than harm, citing the expected tourism boost, among others.

While she admitted that she is disappointed with the way “certain leaders” here have disrespected women, Quiambao stressed that Filipinos should “focus on what we want.”

“Sadly, we have heard stories and quotations of disrespect from certain leaders in this country… In fact, I chose not to elect certain officials just because of what they have said in the past against women,” she said in an interview with ABS-CBN News, without giving names.

“But I think holding Miss Universe nonetheless in the Philippines will do a lot more good for this country because it will bring in a lot of tourism. We can also use it as a campaign for empowerment of women.”

“Naiintindihan ko ‘yung side nila (I understand where they are coming from). But instead of trying to stop this, why don’t we just focus on what we want?” she added. “We want women to be held in high regard, with respect. We want women to be empowered. We want women to be educated. Why don’t we focus on that instead? The more we focus on what we want, all the more we will achieve it.”

Quimbao also expressed optimism about the male population, saying that statements made by certain people do not reflect the country’s culture.

“I’d like to think that Filipinos respect women here,” said Quiambao, who is now an inspirational speaker. “A lot of women here are being respected and being held in high regard.”

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Cat Arambulo-Antonio and Pinky Tobiano Style Love-Inspired Vignettes for This Pop-Up

Cat Arambulo-Antonio and Pinky Tobiano Style Love-Inspired Vignettes for This Pop-Up

Metro.Style

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Updated Feb 19, 2025 10:00 PM PHT

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Vignette by Cat Arambulo-Antonio, using pieces from Opulence Design Concept


They say home is where the heart is. If so, each space in it must be put together thoughtfully with consideration for intentional design. With that saying in mind, there truly is no better time to come up with an event celebrating the love for and art of intentional design and thoughtful living than the Valentine's season. 

Opulence Design Concept, the premier destination for globally renowned homeware brands, recently held the "Spaces of Love" Valentine's-themed event to launch the brand's new pop-up store at the Lower Ground Floor of The SM Store in SM Aura, BGC.  


Cat Arambulo-Antonio and Pinky Tobiano


A multifaceted creative, Cat Arambulo-Antonio is known in the fields of fashion, interior design, and entrepreneurship. The former fashion stylist and director now channels her artistic vision into her precious stone jewelry business, Cat Arambulo Studio. 

Pinky Tobiano is a chemist, philanthropist, businesswoman, and celebrated tablescape artist known as the "Queen of Tablescaping." She is the founder of Qualibet, a homegrown testing lab recognized by multinational Bureau Veritas of France.

Vignette by Pinky Tobiano, using pieces from Opulence Design Concept


The event featured renowned tastemakers Cat Arambulo-Antonio and Pinky Tobiano, who each styled bespoke vignettes that showcase how design can reflect different forms of love—whether for oneself, family, or shared experiences.

“Opulence Design Concept has always been dedicated to transforming homes into meaningful spaces. With our new pop-up, we are making our curated collections even more accessible to those who appreciate great design,” shared Gerry and Jinky Sy, owners of Opulence Design Concept. “We hope to inspire people to style their homes with intention—whether it’s creating a space for self-care, quality family time, or beautiful shared moments.”

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The pop-up’s selection includes pieces from Jonathan Adler, Polspotten, Thomas, and Sambonet—four international design brands known for their exceptional craftsmanship and distinct design philosophies.


Check out the gallery below to learn more about these brands and see photos from Opulence Design Concept's event:


Discover Spaces of Love and experience the finest in home design at Opulence Design Concept’s pop-up at SM Aura until March 31, 2025. You may also visit Opulence’s showrooms at The Podium; 267 Connecticut, Mandaluyong; or Newport Mall. 

For more updates, follow @opulence_design_concept on social media or click opulencedesignconcept.com.


Photos courtesy of Opulence Design Concept 

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