It's time to crown a new queen. The Miss Universe Philippines 2024 is holding its coronation night on Wednesday, May 22, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
And while it has been a memorable reign for Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee, the country is also looking forward to meeting her successor. Tonight's coronation has the theme "Love For All" and will be hosted by Alden Richards, R'Bonney Gabriel, Gabbi Garcia, Tim Yap, and Jeannie Mai.
Fifty-three candidates will vie for the Miss Universe crown. Among these 53 beautiful ladies, pageant fans and analysts have chosen their bets. The competition is tough but we all know only one Filipina shall wear the Miss Universe Philippines crown.
Famous pageant website Missosology revealed their "Hot Picks" earlier this week. It's a list of their Top 20 candidates who have shown outstanding and remarkable performance from the moment they were announced as Miss Universe candidates, until their preliminary performances.
On top of their Hot Picks list is Miss Quezon Province Ma. Ahtisa Manalo. Missosology noted that Ahtisa has the aura and the vibe that points to her being the predicted winner of Miss Universe Philippines 2024.
On the other hand, next to Ahtisa is Christi Lynn McGarry—she's no stranger to the Miss Universe scene. She once competed together with Miss Universe 2015 titleholder Pia Wurtzbach. Now, they have an unbreakable bond as friends and sisters!
In fact, she is Pia's Miss Universe PH bet this year. It seems that Missosology agrees with Pia's pick, describing Christi as the "logical choice considering her elegance onstage thanks to her mile-long legs."
LIST: Missosology's Hot Picks for Miss Universe Philippines 2024
- Quezon Province – Ma. Ahtisa Manalo
- Taguig – Christi Lynn McGarry
- Bacoor – Kim-Victoria Vincent
- Iloilo City – Alexie Mae Brooks
- Baguio – Justine Tarah Marie Valencia
- Cebu – Kris Tiffany Janson
- Cainta – Stacey Daniella Gabriel
- Laguna – Alexandra Mae Rosales
- Palawan – Raven Hate Doctor
- Bulacan – Chelsea Anne Manalo
- Pampanga – Cyrille Payumo
- Zambales – Anita Rose Gomez
- Hawaii – Patricia Bianca Tapia
- United Kingdom – Christina Chalk
- Southern California – Janet Hammond
- Leyte – Angel Rose Tambal
- Mandaue – Victoria Leslie Ingram
- Northern California – Kayla Jean Carter
- Bohol – Bianca Gaviola
- Cavite – Deanne Marie Maté
Since we have some time before the coronation night begins, let's also take a look back at some of the promising answers during Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Preliminary Performances.
LOOK BACK: Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Preliminary Interview
During Miss Universe Philippines 2024, each candidate was given four questions relative to their backgrounds as a beauty queen. But there was one staple question for all the candidates: Why should you be the next Miss Universe Philippines?
Here are the answers from some of the top bets for the 2024 MUPH pageant:
1. Ma. Ahtisa Manalo, Quezon Province - Ahtisa championed her goal to prove that anything is possible for one who has given so much dedication and passion to her craft as a beauty queen.
Ahtisa's answer: "I should be the next Miss Universe Philippines because I really think that I have a story to tell. I think that a lot of Filipinos need an inspiration to see that it doesn't matter where we come from in life, it doesn't matter our life's circumstances. I was born from very humble beginnings, it does not define your potential. What defines your potential is how you work hard for your dreams and what you do to achieve those dreams."
2. Christi McGarry, Taguig City - Christi highlighted her hunger to win and her preparedness to conquer the Miss Universe stage.
Christi's answer: "Six months ago, I wouldn't have been given this opportunity to be sitting in this chair in front of you. It was just a few months ago that they lifted the age restriction and I just think it's the defined timing for me. I could be a pillar and an inspiration for women, or people in general, that there is no timeline to your goals. There are no restrictions on when you're allowed to achieve them. Everything happens at your own place and at the right time and place. I believe I'm a woman with global understanding and global awareness in the world and I can proudly represent the Philippines in Mexico if given the opportunity."
3. Victoria Velasquez Vincent, Bacoor City - Victoria believes she's now deserving to win the Miss Universe Philippines crown as she comes to terms with her "true harmony" as a woman and as a beauty queen.
Victoria's answer: "I see Miss Universe Philippines, as the final piece of the puzzle which is the organization, or the final cog in the well-oiled machine that is the organization. And she needs to be someone who can work along the organization, someone that has a vision and a mission that is aligned with the organization. For me, I believe I am that person. I am easy to work with. I have the same vision as Miss Universe Philippines has. Like what I said, it's not just about superficial reasons, it's about making an impact on our people."
4. Alexie Mae Brooks, Iloilo - Alexie is proud of her morena complexion, and exudes confidence and an unwavering charisma as an athlete representing the Philippines.
Alexie's answer: "I should be the next Miss Universe Philippines because I believe that I'm the best representation of our country. I was tagged as the People's Queen and I think that that itself is enough for me to win the crown. Knowing that I have my whole people, my country, waiting for me to win the crown, I am really, really willing to give more, to offer more, because Alexie is not someone that would never bring anyone down. And as an athlete, that have done many good things in the country, I'll show you that I can be so much more. I won't let our country down. Regardless of the beauty, the color, or anything, we Filipinos are one. We're diverse and we're beautiful."
5. Justin Tarah Marie Valencia, Baguio City - Tarah embodies the love a Filipina has for her motherland. She's dedicated to connecting the Filipino culture to the world.
Tarah's answer: "You know, my answer to this question, really changes. It revolves. For my Miss Universe Philippines journey, my journey revolves around love. Love for myself, love for my family, love for my city, and most especially, love for everything that I do. Dahil dito sa pagmamahal na 'to, natutunan kong mahalin lalo ang ating bansa, ang mga Pilipino at lalong-lalo na ang kultura ng bawat Pilipina. I should be the next Miss Universe Philippines because I know that Miss Universe Philippines should really embody the role of being a Filipina, proud of her own culture."
You can still watch their preliminary interviews via Empire Philippines' YouTube channel:
When and where can I watch the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 coronation night?
The coronation night will air via Empire.ph's official YouTube channel, and also via GMA Network. It starts 8 PM Philippine time, so don't miss it!
