The Miss Universe Philippines 2023 preliminary competition is officially over! Before the swimsuit and evening gown portion, the 38 candidates from different parts of the Philippines showcased their wit and advocacies during the preliminary interview. Each of them was given a set of questions by the panel of judges, which were about social media, traditional values, and more.
Ahead, check out these beauty queens who gave the *best* answers during the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 preliminary interview:
Miss Agusan del Norte, Jannarie Zarzoso
QUESTION: Tell us something interesting about yourself.
ANSWER: "What's something interesting about myself is that I am a psoriasis warrior. I'm a beauty queen with a skin disease, which is unconventional. However, I did not let this stop me from achieving my dreams. Five years ago, [my body] was covered with sores that bled and itch. However, I quickly rose above it because I want to use my story and experiences to empower those who are like me and those who don't necessarily have it but can relate to me. I use that experience in order to come here to Miss Universe to transform lives and inspire others."
Miss Bohol, Pauline Amelinckx
QUESTION: As a delegate for Miss Universe Philippines 2023, what does our national gem, the South Sea Pearl, represent to you?
ANSWER: "It represents the power of personal change and personal progress. I really relate to the South Sea Pearl because it also goes through different processes. It also passes through many different carrying hands before the South Sea Pearl becomes the beauty that it actually is. It's the same with us people—we also undergo different processes before we can become our best and our ultimate."
Miss Cebu Province, Emmanuelle Vera
QUESTION: What makes someone influential in this day and age amidst the shallow social media noise?
ANSWER: "To me, an influential woman is someone who is a leader who leads by example and who doesn't merely use words but who fortifies her words with actions. [She's] someone who cares for the community and who uses her platform to maximize that to be of service to her fellowmen. So for me, an inspirational woman is just that—someone who steps out of her comfort zone to serve her community."
Miss Cavite, Samantha Panlilio
QUESTION: How do you balance culture and traditional values with modern-day aspirations and what advice would you give to other young Filipinas navigating this challenge?
ANSWER: "To find cultural traditions and to also modernize [them], first, we need to accept [them]. I'm from Cavite, and in Cavite, they always say, 'Basta Caviteño, palaban' so I think bravery is a part of our values. But nowadays, I think bravery means something else. It means being able to stand up for yourself and break stereotypes, especially for women. I think that we do that on a daily basis. So if we are able to find the dialogue between traditional and modern values, then I think that we can definitely apply both."
Miss Davao Oriental, Klyza Ferrando Castro
QUESTION: Tell us something interesting about yourself.
ANSWER: "I am an indigenous livelihood advocate and I, myself, have indigenous roots from the Mandaya tribe and what I'm wearing right now is actually in honor of the Mandaya tribe. It is made with Abaca fabric and the main source of income of the Mandaya tribe is Abaca farming. It is such a beautiful thing so I wanted to honor them as the core of my Miss Universe journey with what I'm wearing today."
Miss Cebu Province, Emmanuelle Vera
QUESTION: As a delegate for Miss Universe Philippines 2023, what does our national gem, the South Sea Pearl, represent to you?
ANSWER: "As a sustainability advocate, it really is a representation of the importance of conserving our environment, our biodiversity, and our various ecosystems because of the beautiful treasures that they produce. And as a mental health advocate, for me, it's a reminder that the most stunning things can come out of grueling processes if we approach them with love and care, and we don't give up."
