Vlad Bunoan

4 beauty queens trained in PH prior to competing in Miss Universe 2025

Article (news)

Jude Cartalaba

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1763606884389f15f27a4-d68c-418e-aa50-b869ba4cce0d.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Dubai-based Filipino entrepreneur and international pageant director Josh Yugen brought to the Philippines four queens from Denmark, Egypt, Pakistan, and Sweden.  </div>Come November 21, 120 queens from all across the globe will compete in the 74th edition of the most prestigious beauty pageant, Miss Universe 2025. But before the coronation night, Dubai-based Filipino entrepreneur and international pageant director Josh Yugen brought to the Philippines four queens from Denmark, Egypt, Pakistan, and Sweden to train with Filipino pageant coaches.In a quick exclusive quick interview, the four candidates shared their thoughts on three topics, beginning with how they define a Miss Universe in today’s era.<div> </div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/176360680749029181603-d643-4148-89e1-69adbcc0af0c.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-dragging" width="960"/>Four queens from Denmark, Egypt, Pakistan, and Sweden </div>Miss Pakistan, Roma Riaz, 24, was quick to say that “beauty comes from within and spreads kindness toward her sisters.”“Voice is power. Possessing a powerful voice creates change. It helps change the world. As a beauty queen, it’s not just about the looks, but also about having the heart and good intentions for her fellow human beings,” Miss Denmark Monique Sonne, 21, said.For Miss Sweden, Daniella Lundqvist, 26, “she should be a role model and must embody what she believes in.”“It&#x27;s more of the personality. It makes one gorgeous when one has the personality that appeals to many,” Miss Egypt Sabrina Maged, 23, added.The four were also asked why they are competing on the Miss Universe stage.Miss Egypt wants to promote her country’s beautiful culturel, while Miss Sweden hopes to give a good impression, even if her country isn’t considered a powerhouse in the pageant scene. Miss Denmark, who is the successor of the reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig, wants to promote charity, while for Miss Pakistan, her pageant journey is an opportunity to celebrate diversity and the beauty found in different faiths. Beyond the messages they hope to deliver on the Miss Universe stage, the four beauty queens also highlighted what makes them unique as ambassadors of their respective countries.“Being part of a minority group, having dark skin that isn&#x27;t given much attention in the beauty standards, I want to empower thousands of women with color,” Riaz shared with conviction.Lundqvist, on the other hand, stressed that it’s her personality that stands out. “It is crucial since it reflects qualities beyond physical appearance, such as confidence, communication skills, and intelligence. Having such will win more people and create a lasting and positive impression,” she explained.“It is my experience in pageantry. I want to apply what I’ve learned from joining beauty pageants many times,” said Sonne, the youngest among them but already representing Denmark for the seventh time as she hopes for a back-to-back win.Rounding out the group is Maged, the tallest of the four, who, like Miss Pakistan, hopes to highlight multicultural beauty. “I’m biracial, a mixed Egyptian and Mongolian in descent,” she said.They came to train, but they also hoped to forge genuine friendships, embracing cooperation even within the intense but healthy competition unfolding at the Impact Challenger Hall in Thailand.This year&#x27;s Miss Uiniverse pageant will be hosted by American stand-up comedian and actor Steve Byrne. Miss Universe 1993 Dayanara Torres and 2022 titleholder R’Bonney Gabriel will join the broadcast as commentary hosts.

Dubai-based Filipino entrepreneur and international pageant director Josh Yugen brought to the Philippines four queens from Denmark, Egypt, Pakistan, and Sweden to train with Filipino pageant coaches.

Dubai-based Filipino entrepreneur and international pageant director Josh Yugen brought to the Philippines four queens from Denmark, Egypt, Pakistan, and Sweden to train with Filipino pageant coaches.