Miss Universe PH 2020 to be held on October 25

Miss Universe PH contestants rehearse in Baguio Country Club. The contestants are all wearing face masks, while some have face shields, and are observing physical distancing. Video courtesy of Miss Universe Philippines

MANILA -- The first-ever Miss Universe Philippines (MUP) pageant has been rescheduled anew as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

In an Instagram post over the weekend, MUP creative director Jonas Gaffud said the coronation night will be held on October 25.

"So we are moving the finals of Miss Universe Philippines 2020 to October 25. I miss the ladies, I miss training and seeing them smile," he said.

View this post on Instagram

So we are moving the finals of Miss Universe Philippines 2020 to October 25. I miss the ladies, I miss training and seeing them smile. O ayan sumanib nawa ang espiritu ng pasarela! 🤣 #missuniversephilippines #beautifultransformations

A post shared by Jonas Antonio Gaffud (@jonasempire.ph) on May 14, 2020 at 11:26pm PDT

This was confirmed in a post on the MUP Facebook page as it listed its lineup of events for the year.

The finals night of MUP 2020 was initially scheduled on May 3 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Last March, organizers said they are moving the pageant to June 14 as they take a "graceful pause to stand with the Filipino people" in their fight against the novel coronavirus.

• Miss Universe Philippines suspends pageant activities due to coronavirus

The winner of MUP 2020 will represent the Philippines in the next Miss Universe competition.

The new national pageant marks the end of an era as Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. let go of the Miss Universe franchise in the Philippines after more than 50 years.