Dennis Gaviola

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Dyan Castillejo

ABS-CBN News

A total of 69 candidates were presented at the Miss Universe Philippines Press Presentation at the Shangri-La Hotel in Makati.Announced as the new national director is Ariella Arida, Miss Universe 2013 3rd runner up.“It’s a big responsibility on my part,” Arida said with excitement.Her tip for all the women competing: “Everyone is unique,” she said. “At the end of the day you’re competing within yourself and don’t forget to have fun. I think that’s one of the reasons why I enjoyed my journey during my time.” Actress Julia Barretto made a special appearance as a brand ambassador to talk about authenticity and self-love, promoting “a celebration of beauty that goes beyond the surface.” Candidates introduced themselves representing their regions /cities.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2025/2/15/is-gabbi-garcia-open-to-joining-miss-universe-philippines-push-tv-1855">Is Gabbi Garcia open to joining Miss Universe Philippines? | PUSH TV</a></div>Early favorites included pageant veterans such as Quezon Province’s Ahtisa Manalo.“Actually I took the vacancy of the representative for Quezon Province as a sign.”“Then they announced that it’s in Thailand, sabi ko ‘ay parang gusto yata ako ng mga taga-Thailand’ then after, someone tagged me in a photo [of me] in a salon sa Thailand,” Manalo explained.  “I was thinking wala rin naman ako masyadong gagawin— no big projects coming up so why not give it another shot.”“Let’s enjoy this journey,” she added, explaining that she’ll have a “more chill” outlook to avoid overthinking during the pageant.Also making a comeback into the pageantry scene this year is mom and pageant veteran Winwyn Marquez representing Muntinlupa.In her last pageant, she won the Reina HispanoAmericana 2017.When asked about how she’s preparing after an 8-year pageant hiatus, Marquez answered with “discipline.” “I am still the Winwyn who’s competitive. I’m excited to be on stage,” she added.Kat Llegado, who was 2nd runner up in the 2022 Miss Universe Philippines, also returned for her shot at the crown representing Taguig.“Ever since 2022 I would always say to myself that I would finish my unfinished business,” Llegado said.“And this time I feel like I’ve been always improving,” she added while explaining her dedication to practicing her Q&amp;A even more.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/events/2025/2/14/reina-filipina-north-america-queens-are-ready-to-take-on-miss-universe-philippines-stage-1744">Reina Filipina North America queens are ready to take on Miss Universe Philippines stage</a></div>Representing Cebu is Chella Falconer, part of the Filipino Society of Melbourne, who is happy to be back in the pageant scene.For Chella, her heart is her biggest advantage with her bright personality “coming out naturally.”Fresh faces also stood out among the candidates like Benguet’s Maiko Ibarde who is proud to be Igorot.As an active hiker, Ibarde has her mind set on viewing her MUPH journey as another “steep mountain” she must overcome.There was also Eloisa Jauod of Laguna and Shaina Ong Rabacal of Camarines Sur.“It has really been my dream to be Miss Universe Philippines and to hopefully be able to represent the Philippines on the international stage,” said 25-year old Shaina.Just like Shaina, Eloisa says that joining the pageant really is her “childhood dream.”“This is also my mom’s dream for me even though she’s not here anymore, I’m still continuing our dreams together.”There were also a handful of Filipino-foreigners who are competing, including representatives of Pasay, Las Piñas, San Jose Batangas, and Ifugao.  The venue was filled with the Filipino pageant community, media, MUPH team, and queens such as Miss Universe 2011 3rd runner up Shamcey Supsup, Miss Universe Asia 2024 Chelsea Manalo and Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2025/2/13/former-bb-pilipinas-globe-chelsea-fernandez-to-compete-in-miss-universe-ph-2025-1247">Former Bb. Pilipinas Globe Chelsea Fernandez to compete in Miss Universe PH 2025</a></div>Miss Universe Philippines Executive Vice President Voltaire Tayag emphasized that to train queens like Manalo and Cortesi, it “doesn’t just take a village— it takes a nation.”“Miss Universe Philippines is more than just a sisterhood. It’s a family,” Tayag said.The activities for Miss Universe Philippines will now officially begin, with Manalo’s successor set to be crowned in May 2025.The winner will represent the Philippines at the Miss Universe pageant in November 2025 in Thailand.

A total of 69 candidates were presented at the Miss Universe Philippines Press Presentation at the Shangri-La Hotel in Makati.

A total of 69 candidates were presented at the Miss Universe Philippines Press Presentation at the Shangri-La Hotel in Makati.

69 candidates vie for Miss Universe PH 2025 crown

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69 candidates vie for Miss Universe PH 2025 crown

Dyan Castillejo,

ABS-CBN News

Published Feb 15, 2025 11:52 PM PHT

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Updated Apr 15, 2025 06:52 PM PHT

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