Miss Universe 2016 LATEST Update: The Pageant Has Officially Started; The Competition Is On! [DETAILS HERE]

Days before the most beautiful day on earth, the universe rather have started in Manila, Philippines. The Miss Universe 2016 competition is on, a month and a half away from the live pageant telecast live on Jan. 29, 2017 shown on FOX.

The candidates of Miss Universe 2016 competition have started to arrive in Manila, Philippines which is the venue for this year's competition. These girls are set to travel the host country to do promotional videos and other pageant-related activities.

According to Rappler, Miss Universe 2016 candidates arrive in Manila, Philippines on Dec. 9, 2016. These candidates are attending the pageant's kick-off party.

The candidate from New Zealand was the first to arrive at 3:20am. An hour later, candidate from the USA arrived at 4:45am. Both ladies were met by Miss Universe 2016 organizers. Other candidates from Thailand, Vietnam, Korea and Japan also arrived the same day.

The Philippine's very own, Pia Wurtzbach, the reigning Miss Universe will be joining the ladies traveling the entire country to promote the upcoming pageant. It is reported that the pageant will be brought to different tourist spots the Philippines is known for all over the world.

It's going to be a tough competition! Meet #MissUniverse Mexico, South Africa, Turkey and Belgium!

LIVE Sunday, January 29th on @FOXTV pic.twitter.com/ZpW7NrZWUI

— Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach (@MissUniverse) December 9, 2016

Other candidates of Miss Universe 2016 who are not part of the promotional video are set to arrive in Manila on the second week of January. This is when the real action begins as rehearsal, travel and pre-pageant competition begins.

It is also reported according to Pageant News that the Miss Universe 2016 candidates are strong compared to last year's. The candidates this year are more accomplished and well prepared, all ready to bring home the coveted crown and bring pride to their country.

Strong candidates for Miss Universe 2016 are the ones from Colombia and Venezuela as always. Colombia's Andrea Tovar is one of the favorites to win the crown for her dark and dusky complexion, making her very exotic and interesting to pageant fans.

Venezuela will never be out of the list. Miss Universe 2016 candidate from Venezuela, Mariam Habach is expected to do well and make it far in this year's competition, like all other years. Candidates from Venezuela go to a University-like school under the strict supervision of Osmel Souza. After several months with him, the candidate is a well-oiled beauty pageant machine.