It's a night pageant fans have been (impatiently) waiting for: Miss Universe Philippines 2023. Tension is running high due to fan votes still being cast in order to get their faves into the top of the list, and competition is fierce between delegates. Co-hosts Xian Lim and Alden Richards kickstarted the coronation night with great energy, supported by Tim Yap and Maureen Montagne backstage.
However, since it's Alden's first time hosting the prestigious event, we're sure nerves came into play—especially when he was given the important task of announcing the Top 18 candidates. Alden first announced Agusan Del Norte's Jannarie Zarzoso to be the winner of the "Miss Friendship" award. Almost immediately afterwards, we see him speak to someone offscreen then nodding in response. With a slightly sheepish grin, the host corrected himself: "I stand corrected. Miss Friendship is Miss Capiz, Shayne Glenmae Maquiran. But Miss Jannarie Zarzoso is our Face of Social Media!" The awardees laughed it off and walked to center stage hand-in-hand, while the rest of the candidates applauded them from behind.
It looks like Alden's mistake immediately reminded netizens of Steve Harvey's hosting blunder, when he mistakenly crowned Miss Colombia's Ariadna Gutierrez Miss Universe 2015 over rightful winner Miss Philippines' Pia Wurtzbach.
Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Top 16 finalist Ayn Bernos also chimed in with "Omg not the Steve Harvey moment". However, the content creator and host of Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Coronation Night Backstage was quick to add: "Na-shock lang ako ha HAHAH as if I did not say “Ang galing natin” straight to the microphone last year ???? these things happen!!"
Who is your bet for tonight's Miss Universe Philippines competition?
