MANILA — Ticket demand for the Miss Universe beauty pageant next month has been overwhelming, Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo said.

"Nagkakaubusan na," Teo told reporters on Saturday, ahead of a kickoff event for the pageant held at the Conrad Manila hotel in Pasay City.

"Wala pang presyo pero marami nang nagpapa-reserve."

Saturday's event was attended by Miss Universe president Paula Shugart and reigning title-holder Pia Wurtzbach

Teo did not say how the tickets were distributed, as organizers have yet to announce a reservation system, but assured that tickets will still be available to the public "soon."

Richelle Singson-Michael, a member of the hosting committee for the upcoming beauty contest, confirmed that most of the tickets for the VIP and lower box sections are already "reserved" for the families of the candidates. She did not say how many tickets are allotted for each of the sections.

Singson-Michael said the committee plans to sell tickets to the public on December 20.

Host Committee (Private Sector) Chairman Richelle Singson: "Target sale of tickets is Dec20." VIP & Lowerbox tickets are already reserved. pic.twitter.com/6i3sagzr1c

— MJ Felipe (@mjfelipe) December 10, 2016

The Philippines has only hosted the international pageant twice, the most recent in 1994 when Sushmita Sen of India won the crown.