With its stunning production, exceptional performances, and dazzling gowns, this year's Miss Universe Philippines coronation night was nothing short of spectacular. One of the most highly anticipated moments of the pageant, however, is the question and answer portion where the contestants are given the chance to showcase their intelligence and wit, as well as give the audience a glimpse into their personalities and values.
Of course, this year’s delegates didn’t disappoint! Read on to see how they fared in the competition.
Read the complete transcript for Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Top 5 Q & A below:
Krishnah Gravidez; Baguio
QUESTION: "Trans women athletes are now being allowed to compete in women's sports events in many international competitions. Do you think that this is a step in the right direction? Why or why not?"
ANSWER: "I am all for equality for all genders, and I believe that we have the right to participate in any sports. However, I believe that there is a biological reason that we should not allow trans women in the women category because I believe that there is the right time for that and there are right measurements to be done."
Angelique Manto; Pampanga
QUESTION: "There were calls by some sectors to ban movies and TV shows that portray the Philippines in a bad light. Should we? Why or why not?"
ANSWER: "I believe that in every aspect, there are two things: there are the good and the bad, but it's in the manner of how we receive the images that we are sharing about the Philippines. We always share the good, the beauty there is in the Philippines, but we must also accept that in every aspect there is the bad. We must learn and grow from that, and approve the country that we are in, and hopefully we see the Philippines for the good and the bad, and celebrate it and allow us to appreciate the country we are in."
Pauline Amelinckx; Bohol
QUESTION: "There are reports of online sexual exploitation of women and children. As a woman, how do we make the digital space safe to you and other women and children?"
ANSWER: "I can make the digital space safe by taking the lead in that action, by making sure that what I put out there is the truth and is also a message of hope to everyone else. And for anyone who finds himself or herself in such a situation, know that there are people out there who will be able to help you, reach out to you, and make sure that you will be able to get through this and we can make a difference together."
Christine Opiaza; Zambales
QUESTION: "A recent Goldman Sachs study found that artificial intelligence tools or AI could impact 300 million full-time jobs worldwide which could lead to a significant disruption in the job market. What do you think of this?"
ANSWER: "We are moving forward in progress and growth, but change is not always about progress. We have to consider that manpower really pulls up the economic development of each and every country. We have to put importance in each and every person, making their crafts be seen in each and every aspect in the country. So we have to balance the AI and also the importance of having manpower in the country."
Michelle Dee; Makati
QUESTION: "Income inequality is still high in the Philippines. The gap between the rich and the poor remains. How do we close that gap?"
ANSWER: "I think first, we have to recognize what we have and the privileges that we have, such as food, education, and homes. I think the best way to address this is through education because education holds no status quo. Every Filipino child has the right to an education, but not just any education, but quality education. Because I believe if the government can provide this to every Filipino child, we can not only elevate their quality of life, but we can empower them as well."
Read the complete transcript for Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Top 5 final Q & A below:
QUESTION: "Recently, the Department of Tourism has adopted a new branding campaign: 'We give the world our best.' For you, what is the best that we could offer to the rest of world? Why do you consider it so?"
Krishnah Gravidez; Baguio
ANSWER: "Having to struggle at a very early age, I had uncertainties but I’ve received kindness a lot of times. So now, aside from it's free, I give kindness to everyone, because this kindness can go a long way, can motivate someone, can give radiance to their days, because this kindness also made me transform myself from a woman who had nothing to a lady that has the universe in her doorstep."
Angelique Manto; Pampanga
ANSWER: "I come here not just sharing my story but the multitude of stories that we have yet to hear, especially for those who are struggling in mental health. I believe the best that we could do and we could share is to remember and to remind everyone of the humanity in us, the empathy that has been inside of us all along, and to unlock it so that we could provide more humanity in humanity. The best way to share that is to allow people safe spaces for mental health so we could further this advocacy more."
Pauline Amelinckx; Bohol
ANSWER: "The best that we can offer to the world is Filipino warmth. It is something that we feel in other countries when we see other Filipino communities, but it’s something we feel even more evidently here in the Philippines. And with this slogan at heart, with this value within us, we’ll be able to bring so many people together to make a meaningful change out there and show them the best that the Philippines has to offer."
Christine Opiaza; Zambales
ANSWER: "We are moving forward in progress and the best that we can give to this world is to be a good cause, to find our purpose, to wake up every single day, be grateful that you still have a chance to lead and to see the beauty in life, to find your purpose and make something out of it, to create a great change for the people around yourself, your family, and your community. And I hope we strive for betterment and development of each and every individual."
Michelle Dee; Makati
ANSWER: "The Philippines is home to very beautiful natural resources, from the beaches, to the mountains, but I firmly believe that the best natural resource that the Philippines has is us Filipinos. We are the true heart and soul of the Philippines, with the way we are hospitable, with the warm smiles, and we are the reason why the world keeps coming back for more. No matter where the universe takes me, I will always be proud to call the Philippines my home, and no matter what happens, I will always be proud to call myself Pinoy."
*This story originally appeared on Preview.ph. Minor edits have been made by the Cosmo.ph editors.
