Another year, another *queen* to be crowned! The search for the next Miss Universe Philippines titleholder has officially started. The pageant has yet again about pick their winners from the amazing women all over the country (and even in overseas Filipino communities). For the 2024 pageant, MUPH begins the Accredited Partners Program.
What is the Miss Universe Philippines Accredited Partners Program?
This year, the MUPH organization aims to reach more aspiring candidates in more places across the country through the Accredited Partners Program. With that, local partners (think: regional governments, organizations, or communities) will be able to hold their own pageants, ditching the single, national application process. The winners of these local showcases automatically secure their spot as a Miss Universe Philippines candidate, while some partners can also directly appoint a representative with the MUPH organization's approval.
According to MUPH National Director Shamcey Supsup-Lee, they're following the established model of Miss USA. "It's like you have level 1, level 2, until you become Miss Universe. That's what we're doing here in Miss Universe Philippines," she explained in a report by Inquirer.
So far, here are the *confirmed* candidates for Miss Universe Philippines 2024:
Miss Universe Philippines Australia: Kymberlee Street
Kymberlee is a Filipino-Australian model and an entrepreneur who will be representing the Filipino community in Australia. She's the founder of the beauty brand Defence Skincare and a learning platform for models called Model Street.
Miss Universe Philippines Bacolod: Yvonna Catamco
Yvonna is a 22-year-old Tourism Management student who's an advocate for underprivileged children.
Miss Universe Philippines Batangas: Mariztella Lat
Batangas' bet Mariztella Lat graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Business Administration Major in Marketing Management from Batangas State University.
Miss Universe Philippines Baguio: Janah Rhyl Lumidao
Baguio's official representative is reportedly a taekwondo champion!
Miss Universe Philippines Bukidnon: Natasha Bajuyo
Natasha fights for violence against women and their children.
Miss Universe Philippines Cagayan de Oro: Lynn Eirene Lomongo Iponan
Fun fact: Lynn Eirene Lomongo Iponan is the first Miss Universe Philippines Cagayan de Oro!
Miss Universe Philippines Camiguin: Rethy Rosa
Rethy Rosa is *officially* the representative of Camiguin.
Miss Universe Philippines Delaware, USA: Amanda Russo
Amanda Russo is a Filipino-American model who was born in Christiana, Delaware with family roots in Angeles City.
Miss Universe Philippines Florida, USA: Matea Mahal Smith
Matea Mahal Smith became the first winner of Filipino and Black descent of Miss Filipina International 2023. This neuroscience student will be representing Florida, USA at the MUPH 2024 pageant.
Miss Universe Philippines Iloilo: Alexie Brooks
Representing Iloilo City, Alexie Brooks is an athlete and a proud LGBTQ member.
Miss Universe Philippines Kananga: Natasha Jung
Natasha is a Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) student. She's an anime lover, too!
Miss Universe Philippines Leyte: Angel Rose Tambal
Angel Rose Tambal is the first-ever Miss Universe Philippines-Leyte.
Miss Universe Philippines Misamis Oriental: Kristine Sarsalejo
Misamis Oriental is rooting for 21-year-old Kristine Sarsalejo.
Miss Universe Philippines Naic, Cavite: Mary Rose Guiral
Aside from being a beauty queen, Mary Rose Guiral is a mechanical engineer!
Miss Universe Philippines North California, USA: Kayla Jean Rabaya
Looks familiar? Kayla Jean Rabaya is one of the contestants on the second season of Netflix's Too Hot To Handle.
Miss Universe Philippines Pampanga: Cyrille Payumo
Cyrille Payumo is a model and tourism ambassador. According to her Binibining Pilipinas bio, her interests include watching documentaries and traveling!
Miss Universe Philippines Quezon Province: Ahtisa Manalo
Ahtisa Manalo makes a comeback as the official representative of Quezon Province! ICYDK, she was crowned Binibining Pilipinas International Philippines 2018. Catriona Gray was her batchmate!
Miss Universe Philippines South California, USA: Janet Hammond
Janet Hammond is a Filipino-American actor and entrepreneur.
Miss Universe Philippines Toledo: Kim Irish Placibe
Kim Irish Placibe is the newly crowned Miss Universe Philippines Toledo!
Miss Universe Philippines Tuguegarao: Zhyra Mae Cabalza
This 20-year-old stunner is an incoming third-year Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science student.
