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Crowds packed the Mall of Asia Arena as each candidate
showcased her swimsuits, evening gowns and national costumes in
front of the judges.
The preliminary competition that started on Thursday will
whittle down the crowded field to the top 12 candidates for the
pageant night, the Miss Universe website said.
"The whole world is being united, and even though we don't know
each other, we still enjoy the event," said Apple Natividad, one
of the many spectators who attended the show.
Some even dressed like Miss Universe candidates to join the
fanfare.
"This is a venue for beauty, but also the beauty of the heart,
especially for us Filipinos who are fanatics for pageants," said
Rania Ziateh, who wore a Miss Philippines sash.
Over half a million people are expected to tune in to watch the
coronation night next week, organizers said.
Filipina beauty queen Pia Wurtzbach currently holds the Miss
Universe crown from 2015.
(Reporting by Reuters TV in Manila; Editing by Sandra Maler)
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