Elegance, artistry, and advocacy converged Monday night at the Miss Universe Philippines 2025 preliminary competition, held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.
Sixty-six candidates representing cities and provinces across the country took the stage in a showcase of beauty, poise and Filipino design. The program featured swimsuit and evening gown segments, with each contestant donning creations by local designers. The event also included the presentation of sponsor awards, underscoring the commercial and cultural significance of the national pageant.
The competition, co-hosted by reigning Miss Universe Philippines Chelsea Manalo and broadcast journalist Erika Kristensen-Lee, marked a critical step toward the coronation night. Ten contestants emerged as early standouts, earning praise for their stage presence, confidence, and composure.
Ifugao
Valerie Pawid West, 22, a singer and songwriter, wore a striking black and pink gown by Ryan Ablaza Uson. She approached the competition as her “battlefield of dreams.”
Muntinlupa
Teresita Ssen “Winwyn” Marquez, 32, an actress and the first Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas titleholder, impressed in both the swimsuit and evening gown segments. Her custom beaded gown was created by Carlo Angelo Niu of Banggo Niu Manila. A frontrunner in this year’s competition and a mother, she received several sponsor awards, including Miss Jell Life, Miss Clinique de Paris, Miss Aqua Boracay, Miss Wuling, Miss Wendy’s, Miss Soen, Miss Zion, and Miss Mags (Face of Mags).
Oriental Mindoro
Rechel Hoco, 23, an overseas Filipino worker, wore a blue gown designed by Dubai-based Harvey Cenit. The look paid tribute to Dubai’s multiculturalism, combining elements of the abaya and Indian saree. Cenit’s design aimed to tell a story of resilience and unity, reflecting both Filipino pride and global cultural influences.
Pasig
Alessandra Ysabelle Eugenio, 19, captivated in a white gown by Russ Cuevas, reminiscent of Miss Universe 2005 Natalie Glebova’s final look. Eugenio, who represented Bagong Ilog, was selected as Pasig City’s delegate after outperforming 17 others. She embodied grace and timeless elegance throughout the evening.
Quezon Province
Maria Ahtisa Manalo, 27, a veteran of the pageant circuit, wore a bright yellow Val Taguba gown. The Miss International 2018 first runner-up and Miss Universe 2024 second runner-up won several sponsor awards, including Miss Jewelmer, Zonrox Colorsafe, Miss Hello Glow, Miss Vitress, and Miss Mags (Face of Mags).
Romblon
Mariah Nicole Valdez, 25, a Century Tuna Superbods 2024 finalist, wore a gown by Mara Chua that drew inspiration from the natural beauty of Romblon. Designed to resemble a marble statue emerging from water, the glossy fabric mimicked moisture glistening on skin, with a silhouette meant to flow like ocean waves.
Siargao
Millien Joy Cabigas, 24, a model and pageant finalist, wore a fiery red gown by RL Omalde of Estelu. The look emphasized strength and elegance. Cabigas was named the Glutalipo People’s Choice awardee.
Siniloan, Laguna
Yllana Marie Aduana, 26, a medical technologist and experienced pageant contender, finally wore her dream color: orange. Her sunset-inspired gown, created by Leo Almodal, earned her several titles, including Zonrox Colorsafe, Miss Urban Smiles, Miss Mags (Face of Mags), Miss iColor, and Miss Glutalipo.
Sultan Kudarat
Chelsea Lovely Fernandez, 25, wore a Leo Almodal couture gown inspired by the depths of the ocean. The gown was adorned with Austrian crystals, Japanese glass beads, and French silk organza. Fernandez, who has held titles including Miss Philippines Earth-Water 2019 and Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2022, won the Hello Glow Body and Miss Buscopan Venus awards.
Taguig
Maria Katrina Llegado, 27, impressed in a sparkling custom gown by Pablo Mendez III, featuring laser-cut mirror glass and Swarovski crystals. Llegado, a graduate of De La Salle University-Manila with a degree in financial management, previously placed as second runner-up in Miss Universe Philippines 2022. She was named the Zonrox Colorsafe awardee.
The Miss Universe Philippines Charity Gala and National Costume Showcase were held Tuesday night at 6 p.m. at the Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila. The event will celebrate Filipino creativity, craftsmanship, and culture through a fashion showcase featuring all 66 delegates.
Reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig will attend, along with the 2024 Miss Universe Continental Queens: Chidimma Adetshina of Nigeria (Africa & Oceania), Tatiana Calmell of Peru (Americas), Matilda Wirtavuori of Finland (Europe & Middle East), and Chelsea Manalo of the Philippines (Asia).
