The Department of Tourism has crossed out swimming with the “butanding” (whale shark) from the itinerary of Miss Universe candidates due to outcry from wildlife conservation groups. The candidates, however, will get to see another endangered species, the Philippine Eagle, when they visit Davao City on Jan. 19. “We’ve already spoken to the environmentalists who raised their concern and we’ve told them there won’t be anything about the whale shark. It’s no longer included,” Tourism Undersecretary Kat de Castro said in a press briefing on Wednesday.

Sauler, Erika. (2017, January 5). No more ‘butanding’ swim for Miss U bets. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A2.