Calapan City is hosting Bikini Open 2011 on Friday.

This as the Oriental Mindoro capital gears up for the long gown competition of the annual Miss Earth Philippines, set to be held too in Calapan City on May 7.

Miss Oriental Mindoro 2008 1st Runner-Up Mary Sheila Aguilar Rosales is among the beauties vying for this year’s Miss Earth Philippines crown.

In collaboration with the City Culture and Tourism Office, preparations are being made by the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Calapan for the two beauty events.

In a meeting, they agreed to upgrade the facilities in the city that will be used in the competitions.

A makeover of the entire stretch of J.P. Rizal Street, where a parade of Bikini Open candidates will be made, is part of the preparations that are underway.

Elated Mayor Doy Leachon said the events will boost Calapan City’s tourism image and serve as a good opportunity to showcase its capability to host similar events in the future.