Search for Miss Universe PH begins

THE stage is set for the search for the new Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) 2025, with 69 contestants from all over the country. Voltaire Tayag, MUPH executive vice president, said MUPH hoped to continue using its platform to promote tourism. "We don't just say we love the Philippines to promote tourism; we actually go to places so the delegates can truly love the Philippines," Tayag said. In the wake of a controversy in the Miss USA pageant in 2023, where a contestant was silenced by a non-disclosure agreement she signed before competing in Miss Universe, MUPH has also partnered with a law firm to explain the pageant's contracts that the contestants sign. "This edition is one of the toughest as it is graced by pageant veterans and existing national and international titleholders already," said Mags Cue, MUPH vice president for global and national search. This year's pageant has comeback queens, such as Ma. Ahtisa Manalo of Quezon Province, last year's second runner-up, and Katrina Llegago of Taguig, who placed second runner-up in 2022. Former Reina Hispanoamericana 2017, Teresita Ssen "Wynwyn" Marquez of Muntinlupa City, is set to be the first mother to represent the Philippines in the Miss Universe pageant. "Dreams never expire — whether you're a mother or a wife or anyone who has any dream — your dream never stops. That's why I'm here, joining Miss Universe Philippines. It's time to see a mother on the Miss Universe stage," she said. The MUPH organization also announced that Areilla Arida is its new national director. The position was initially held by the current president of the MUPH organization, Jonas Gaffud, and Shamcey Supsup, Miss Universe 2011 3rd runner-up. Arida was crowned Miss Universe Philippines in 2013 and placed 3rd runner-up at the 2013 pageant in Moscow, Russia. The MUPH organization announced that the finals night will be held on Aug. 10 at the Mall of Asia arena.