I am delighted to welcome all of you to this palace of the Filipino people, whom you honor and greatly energize by your visit to the Philippines because of the 1994 Miss Universe pageant.

It is during moments like this, being face to face with the most beautiful representatives of the international community, that I feel my job as president does have some pleasant aspects.

It is fitting we host you here in the ceremonial hall, where we traditionally receive heads of state and other important guests.

For you are the special emissaries of your respective nations, carefully picked for that task in an extremely competitive process that no ordinary ambassador undergoes or could pass.

You possess qualities that embody the ideals of your lands, which make you perfect messengers of goodwill, friendship and understanding. I salute you for all that you are doing to bring each of our countries closer than ever.

If I may put a personal note to this gathering — I do pride myself on knowing a thing or two about beauty combined into brains.

Not many people remember this now, but many years ago, I was prevailed upon to serve on the board of judges of the Miss Philippines contest, by virtue of which our candidate to the Miss Universe pageant is chosen.

That was in 1973, and to make a long story short, our board of judges chose Margie Moran, who to her countrymen’s great pride and glory, went on to become that year’s Miss Universe, the second Filipina to do so.

That was the first, last and only time I consented to judge in a beauty contest. I decided to retire from judging in order to preserve my 1,000% batting average.

For that event and the 1974 Miss Universe pageant which we also hosted showed through the wonder of satellite television, the wealth of natural attractions the Philippines has to offer. It also proved our capability to handle large numbers of visitors, thus helping project that the Philippines can be a world class convention venue as well.

Our hosting of this 1994 Miss Universe pageant offers a unique opportunity to send the message to the world once more that the Filipino people are warm-hearted, hospitable and friendly, and that the Philippines is back in business at the gateway to Asia and the Pacific.

Let me offer my thanks and appreciation to all of you once more for promoting international goodwill and friendship. Let me wish each delegate the best of luck. In my book, all of you are already winners.

Take it from a beauty contest judge with a 20/20 vision and a 1,000% batting average.

Salamat and mabuhay!