We’re nearing coronation night, and we’re sure the 40 candidates are already geared up for the big day. As we inch closer to finding out who will represent the Philippines in the Miss Universe pageant in El Salvador, we take a look at some interesting facts about this year’s competition
1. Mommies are in!
Motherhood shouldn’t be a hindrance to achieving your lifelong dreams – these three moms know exactly that.
Eileen Gonzales (Quezon City), who was Miss Global Philippines in 2018, knows it’s never too late to try out for Miss Universe.
“Gusto kong iparating na being a single mom will not stop you from getting your dreams. Especially kung meron kang gustong i-share na makakatulong ka sa iba. Just continue, and live your dreams,” she told PEP in an interview.
Clariele Dacanay (Parañaque) meanwhile believes there’s more to life than motherhood.
"The word "mother" doesn't define who you are. At the end of the day, you are not only a mom, but you are also a woman, and you are also an individual of your own. You just have to step out of that cave and go for it. Don't let other people hold you back,” she said.
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“If you have that energy and potential to raise such an amazing child, you have the potential, confidence, and everything to do anything," she told Smart Parenting in February.
Joemay Leo (Benguet), a proud Igorota, wants to raise cultural awareness, hence her decision to join Miss Universe Philippines. “I owe it to myself to be fearless and free,” she said in her profile video interview.
2. Is this Boholana beauty the next Pia Wurtzbach?
You’ve seen her try her best the past two years, but Pauline Amelinckx is driven more than ever to finally get the crown.
Her story is similar to Pia, who took three tries before winning the Miss Universe Philippines title – and we know her perseverance paid off when she won Miss Universe 2015.
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"All I can say is that this year, I have a much stronger spirit, that is capable of powering through all the adversities that we meet along the way,” Pauline said back in January.
3. You’ve probably seen these candidates somewhere
Some candidates are no stranger to the limelight. Michelle Dee, a model and the daughter of iconic beauty queen Melanie Marquez, is a returning candidate for this year’s pageant. In 2022, Michelle had nothing but praises for her mother.
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“I have nothing but gratitude for my mom. I’m the way that I am [because of] her. I think I’ve become a woman that she can really be proud of."
Another candidate, Emmanuel Camcam of Cebu (earlier known as Emmanuel Vera), acted alongside Sarah Geronimo back in 2010. She was the pop star’s singing rival in the musical serye “Idol.”
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4. Changes in age requirement
The youngest candidate for this year’s pageant is 21 while the oldest is 27. The Miss Universe organization recently changed the age requirement to up to 28 years old at the time of the pageant.
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5. This is the first under the Miss Universe owner
This year’s competition will be the first under Miss Universe franchise’s new owner, Anne Jakrajutatip. The Thai businesswoman will be in Manila for the pageant night, scheduled on May 13, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
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6. Women power
This year’s panel of judges will be all-female. Among the confirmed judges are Miss USA and Miss Universe 2015 2nd runner-up Olivia Jordan, Miss Mexico and Miss Universe 2010 Ximena Navarrete, and Miss Trinidad and Tobago and Miss Universe 1998 Wendy Fitzwilliam.
Do you have any bets? Join the conversation and watch out for more pageant updates here in Cosmo!
