69 candidates compete for title of Miss Universe Philippines 2025

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

Feb 17, 2025 11:29 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• A total of 69 women from all over the country introduced themselves to the media in an event dubbed "The Reveal" which was held at Makati Shang-ri La hotel.

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Miss Universe Philippines officially kicked off the exciting pageant season with yesterday's press presentation of its lovely delegates for 2025.

A total of 69 women from all over the country introduced themselves to the media in an event dubbed "The Reveal" which was held at Makati Shang-ri La hotel. One of them will be vying for the much-coveted crown and a chance to represent the country at the 74th Miss Universe in Pak Kret, Thailand, on Nov. 21. 

Here's the video of the Press Presentation held on Feb. 15 as posted on the MUPH official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/15gaZ2B2jH/

This year's edition of MUPH is also much-awaited for having the biggest number of pageant veterans joining the 2025 competition. These include Teresita Ssen "Winwyn" Marquez who is making a comeback eight years after being the first Asian to bag the Reina Hispanoamericana 2017 title in Bolivia; crowd favorite Ma. Ahtisa Manalo who was Miss International 2018 first runner-up and finished second runner-up in MUPH 2024;  and 2023 Miss Earth-Air Yllana Marie Aduana.

Avid fans coined the Tagalog term "puksaan" to describe the "annihilation" that's going to happen on the way to the grand coronation night which will be held in the first week of May.

MUPH executive vice president Voltaire Tayag commented on this, saying: "This year, there are a lot of former queens who have won both in local and international pageants. When they ask us for advice, we tell them that no one can stop them from pursuing their plans. But we also cannot promise or guarantee what the results will be. I can stand here and be very proud to say that in Miss Universe Philippines, it is always the judges that have a final say."  

Also announced was the appointment of Miss Universe 2013 3rd runner-up and actress Ariella "Ara" Arida as MUPH's new national director for training and development.

In her acceptance remarks, Ara stated: " I salute all the girls for joining and for pursuing their dreams. Hopefully, we get our fifth Miss Universe crown from this year's batch. And of course, this will be possible with all your effort, with all your help. And of course, with me over here. I  promise to really do my best  to help the organization, to be a leader, to inspire and to grow together with the team and together with the ladies out here."

The contestants competing for Miss Universe Philippines 2025 are the following: 

1. Rani Lachmi Dado (Albay)

2. Ira de Castro (Angeles City)

3. Louise Lian Bobe (Bacolod City) 

4. Natsumi Sekiguchi (Bacoor City)

5. Kayla Jane Usison (Bago City/ Filipino society of San Francisco)

6. Gwendoline Soriano (Baguio City)

7. Yana Ysabel Maranan (Batangas)

8. Yoshabel Lebico (Basey, Samar)

9. Maiko Ibarde (Benguet)

10. Tyra Goldman (Bohol)

11. Franchezca Mae Pacheco (Bulacan)

12. Jadine Lezz Banagan (Butuan City)

13. Maica Martinez (Cabanatuan City)

14. Allyson Ee (Caloocan/ Filipino society of Northern California)

15. Karenza de Leon (Camarines Norte/ Filipino society of Australia)

16. Shaina Ong Rabacal (Camarines Sur)

17. Larsine Grace Jensen (Camiguin)

18. Jezreal de Ocampo (Cavite)

19. Gabriella Mai Carballo (Cebu City)

20. Chella Falconer (Cebu Province)

21. Angeleyh Caballero Pasco (Davao/Filipino society of Hawaii)

22.Jazzle Shannen Taga Iba (Dipolog City)

23. Shamara Krupa (Dumaguete City)

24. Princess Luab Ibrahim (Zamboanga del Sur)

25. Valerie Claire West (Ifugao/Filipino society of New York)

26. Juliana Fresado (Iligan City)

27. Jeanne Nicole Perez Lipa (Ilocos Sur/ Filipino society of Washington)

28. Karen Nicole Piccio (Iloilo City)

29. Angeline Cordero Kailani (Iloilo Province/Filipino society of England)

30. Jarina Sandhu (Isabela)

31. MJ Fernandez (Kalibo, Aklan)

32. Eloisa Jauod (Laguna)

33. Natasha Testa (Lapu-Lapu City)

34. Rayanne Kristel David (Las Pinas/Filipino society of Canada-West)

35. Victoria Maelona Johnson (Leyte/Filipino society of Florida)

36. Pauline Rowbelle del Mundo (Liliw,Laguna/ Filipino society of New Jersey)

37. Rendelle Ann Caraig (Los Banos, Laguna)

38. Bella dela Cruz (Lucena City)

39. Taylor Marie De Luna (Malay, Aklan/ Filipino society of Southern California)

40. Jasmine Paguio (Manila)

41. Teresita Ssen Marquez (Muntinlupa)

42. Kaye Pastelero (Naic,Cavite)

43. Zoe Sofia Gabon (Naga City)

44. Franches Anne Laquibla (Negros Occidental)

45. Chanel Olive Thomas (Nueva Ecija/Filipino society of Melbourne)

46. Ain Niqyla Abad (Occidental Mindoro)

47. Rechel Hoco (Oriental Mindoro)

48. Irish Raine Sescon (Ozamis City)

49. Rhancoise Mayangitan (Pampanga)

50. Andrea Cayabyab (Pangasinan)

51. Jenny Kim Agasid (Paranaque)

52. Amanda Russo (Pasay/Filipino society of Pennsylvania)

53. Alessandra Eugenio (Pasig)

54. Zoe Honeyman (Quezon City)

55. Ma. Ahtisa Manalo (Quezon Province)

56. Bianca Ysabella Ylanan (Quirino)

57. Mariah Nicole Valdez (Romblon)

58. Kathreen Kaye Dacanay (Samar Island)

59. Thelma Suzanne Dayao (San Fernando, Cebu)

60. Jessica Victoria Cianchino (San Jose Batangas/Filipino society of Canada-East)

61. Millien Joy Cabigas (Siargao)

62. Yllana Marie Aduana (Siniloan, Laguna)

63. Chelsea Fernandez (Sultan Kudarat)

64. Angela Norwillen Cabel (Tacloban City)

65. Ma. Katrina Llegado (Taguig)

66. Danelle Ann Catalan (Tandag City, Surigao Del Sur)

67. Sasha Lacuna (Tarlac)

68. Thea Samantha Lacanlalay (Tuguegarao City)

69. KC de Fiesta (Zamboanga City)

Beauty Gonzalez acts with daughter Olivia in the movie 'Paquil'

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

Feb 10, 2025 08:19 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Located about three hours from Manila, Pakil is known for its patroness, the Our Lady of Sorrows of Turumba, believed to have miraculous powers.

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Beauty Gonzalez and daughter Olivia

Showing on Feb. 12, the movie "Paquil" sets its sights on an old town in Laguna characterized by its strong religious spirit.  Located about three hours from Manila, Pakil is known for its patroness, the Our Lady of Sorrows of Turumba, believed to have miraculous powers.

The themes of hope and healing intersect in this film directed by Lemuel Lorca (Ned's Project, Broken Hearts Trip). The story revolves around the characters Paolo ( played by JM De Guzman) and Cristina (Beauty Gonzalez), who meet in Pakil to connect and find their roots.

The narrative mainly centers on Christina, a former actress who returns to her beloved hometown after a series of career setbacks and a terminal illness diagnosis. Here, she finds meaning in reviving the local theatrical art form dubbed "komedya" which leads her on a journey of self-discovery and reconnection with her faith.  

For Beauty, "Paquil" is also significant because it is the first time her nine-year old daughter, Olivia Crisologo, can be seen acting in a movie. 

Viewers who watched "Paquil" during its premiere night agree that Olivia doesn't only take after her mother's good looks but also her talent in acting. Olivia plays the young Cristina in the film and has a few crying scenes.

Beauty recalled how Olivia landed her first acting project. "Tinanong ako one day ng director namin kung pwede ba siyang gumanap na young me. Sabi ko, basta walang linya kasi hindi siya masyadong fluent sa Tagalog eh. Siyempre sa bahay English, Bisaya, Tagalog. Halo-halo yung mga lingwahe niya. But she's more of English. Sabi ng director wala naman daw linya. Then I told her about it. She said yes."

(The director asked if I would have Olivia play the young me. I told him as long as there are no lines because she's not so fluent in Tagalog. Our household has a mix of languages like English, Bisaya, Tagalog. The director said no lines will be spoken, so I asked Olivia and she said yes.)

"Pagdating namin sa set, biglang nagkaroon ng linya. Then biglang iiyak. Siyempre ako yung mas kinakabahan sa kanya but thankfully,  we were all there to support her. Nairaos naman namin and she did one take lang," Beauty added.

(When we reached the set, we were surprised to learn that Olivia had to deliver some lines and a crying scene. I was more nervous than my daughter but we were all there to support her. We  survived it, and she only took one take.)

Beauty admitted that she and her husband Norman Crisologo, along with their nannies, are proud of what Olivia has done. "She (Olivia) did very well and I didn't expect na makuha niya agad. So parang na-realize ko na since sinasama ko siya sa set since baby pa, parang na-observe niya na  rin yung ginagawa ko," the proud mom stated.

"I'm just so happy that Olivia got to experience it all. She gets to think about what she wants to do later in life. Now she realized na mas gusto muna niya mag-school. After that, maybe pag malaki na siya, she can get into it (acting)," Beauty added. 

Produced by Resiko Entertainment Production, "Paquil" will be shown in 100 cinemas nationwide on Feb. 12.   Before its local release, it had already garnered international recognition at the Five Continents International Film Festival in Venezuela.

Chelsea Manalo is back in PH, shares secret to bagging the Miss Universe Asia title

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

Dec 10, 2024 09:23 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The "Bulacan Barbie" said she is looking forward to eating adobo and spending Christmas with her family after being away for almost two months. 

The first Miss Universe Asia Chelsea Manalo being interviewed about her duties

Newly proclaimed Miss Universe Asia 2024 Chelsea Anne Manalo flew back to Manila last night after successfully representing the country in Mexico City. The "Bulacan Barbie" said she is looking forward to eating adobo and spending Christmas with her family after being away for almost two months.

Chelsea arrived via PR flight 113 from Los Angeles wearing a black leather jacket. "Ang init ha. Ang init bigla! From LA, now I'm here in the Philippines. Grabe yung weather. I can feel the support. Maraming salamat po for coming here," she told the media and some fans who gathered to greet her at the arrival area of Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1. 

(It's hot. From LA, now I'm here in the Philippines. The weather's suddenly hot. Thank you very much for coming here.) 

In a press release, Miss Universe Philippines announced that Chelsea will go to Thailand and Europe "around May or June"  next year. As the first Miss Universe Continental Queen for Asia, part of her duty will be to "oversee projects and charity programs" of the Miss Universe Organization in different parts of the world. She will be traveling with the other winners, notably Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark who is also scheduled to visit the Philippines. 

Chelsea believes her win has opened "more doors to women who want to pursue pageantry differently, that it's not all about how we look, but rather our personality, intentions, our advocacy."

She noted that showing the judges her "best personality" became the main goal during the Miss Universe competition. One of the judges asked her to sing during the closed-door interview since it's widely known that Filipinos love karaoke. Chelsea gamely sang "A Whole New World," which is the theme song of the Disney movie "Aladdin."

Newly proclaimed Miss Universe Asia 2024 Chelsea Manalo is flanked by her supporters and the media after arriving at NAIA Monday night.

"I sang my heart out for 'A Whole New World', they saw the personality there and they really liked it so I guess that's why we have Miss Universe Asia now," she revealed.

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Chelsea said she's also "very happy" to win the Best in National Costume award for the "Hiraya" creation by Bulacan-based designer Manny Halasan, reflecting the Philippines' different religious influences.

"Sobrang happy ako kasi nakita ng organization yung story that I have to put in my costume," she pointed out. 

Competing in the Miss Universe made Chelsea realize how the Philippines and Mexico have many things in common regarding culture. The 25-year-old beauty said she really liked Mexican food, especially tacos and guacamole, although now that she's back home, she can't wait to taste "adobo and puto bumbong."

As the first Filipina of African-American descent to represent the Philippines in Miss Universe, Chelsea thanked everyone who supported and prayed for her. "I didn't make it by myself. Hindi lang to dahil sa organization and sa judges, but it's because of all of you, yung support na binigay nyo sa akin. I won because of the votes of every Filipino and those people who supported me, kaya maraming maraming salamat."

The Miss Universe Philippines organization has lined up a homecoming parade, a victory press conference, and a slew of TV guestings for Chelsea in the next few days.

Bianca Umali on how she takes care of her beauty and body

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY 

Nov 2, 2024 02:53 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The appeal of being "simple" enticed Bianca to accept her latest endorsement for Pina Beauty. 

Bianca Umali

Even though she's only 24, Sparkle artist Bianca Umali has figured it all out. This is evident when you hear her speak about dealing with criticism and dispelling other people's preconceived notions about her.

Having grown up in show business early on, Bianca revealed that she has learned to take negative comments in stride. 

"Naging malinaw sa akin ever since na you can never please everyone. At kahit na anong perfect mo, kahit pa anong polido mo o galing mo sa lahat ng ginagawa mo, meron at meron silang masasabi tungkol sa iyo," she pondered. 

(You can never please everyone - no matter how perfect you are at what you do, people will always have something to say about you.)

The Genz Z actress noted that getting older has given her a different perspective, especially when dealing with negative things.

"Regardless if maganda o hindi maganda ang sabihin tungkol sa akin ng mga tao, I respect that because opinion nila yun, just as much as they should respect my opinion as a person as well," she reasoned out.

(Whether people have good or bad things to say about me, I respect that because it's their opinion.) 

Bianca observed that she's often misunderstood because she's an introvert and her strong mestiza features make her look like a snob. But being self-aware, she has learned to turn these negatives into her own superpower.

Sparkle artist Bianca Umali (second from right) with officers of Fcoy 15 Trading Corp., the makers of Pina Glow soap and lotion

"A lot of people tell me that I have a strong presence but I actually see that now as a superpower. I tell myself: okay, when you walk into a room, people may feel you're too strong but  let them know you're not. Ikaw yung mag-approach, bumati ka, make the most out of it and make them know you all the more. Kasi yun yung masarap. Pag narinig nila na hindi ka pala masungit, masarap ka pala kausap, ganyan ka pala bilang tao. It feels more fulfilling."

If Bianca acts and thinks more mature than her years, blame it on the fact that she was orphaned early. Being raised as a young girl by her grandmother, Vicky taught Bianca the value of simplicity.

The appeal of being "simple" enticed Bianca to accept her latest endorsement for Pina Beauty. This all-Filipino skincare brand makes its unique soap and lotion infused with watermelon.

"I was never a fan of many steps (in skincare)  and always go for what is expensive because we trust that the name is what we pay for. Because of how my lola raised me, I'm very mindful, especially regarding budgeting. But at the same time, we want to take care of ourselves.  Brands like Pina stand for what a Filipina truly is.  Being a beautiful Filipina doesn't have to take so much hard work. It's not just a dream, we can achieve it," Bianca stressed.

It also helped that Bianca aligned herself with Pina's advocacy to espouse the welfare of Filipino soldiers. "I know who I am; I know what I stand for and believe in. I will endorse brands that I am confident align with things and my values," she stated.

Aside from her beautiful face, people can't help but admire Bianca's toned body now. She's doing this as part of the bigger picture because her mother died when she was only 5, followed by her father when she turned 10.

"I want to take extra care of my body so that when I have kids, I will be able to live longer and make more memories with them," she intoned.

Bianca credits her boyfriend of seven years, fellow actor Ruru Madrid, as a "big factor" in her "motivation" to be fit.

"We work out together, and it means so much that we live a healthy lifestyle together," she pointed out.

She added that she wants to be an excellent example to her followers and fans.  

"I want to share with the new generation that taking care of ourselves is important. It may be hard at first, but when you feel the change and understand what benefits you get from working out, from knowing which products are for you and prioritizing self-care, you will be happier. You will live your best life," Bianca stated.

Miss Universe Philippines Chelsea Manalo to bring rosary and lucky shoes to Mexico

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Chelsea recalled that the shoes were the first high-heeled pair she wore, which she used during her college graduation.

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Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Anne Manalo

When she leaves the Philippines to begin her journey for Miss Universe 2024, which will be held in Mexico City, Chelsea Anne Manalo will be bringing with her two things that she considers her lucky charms: a rosary and her first high-heeled shoes, which were given to her by her mom.

Chelsea recalled that the shoes were the first high-heeled pair she wore, which she used during her college graduation. "I took good care of it —minahal ko siya. Sabi ko, I know that it will take me along the way because ito na yung umpisa ng buhay ko. So, entering Miss Universe Philippines, those were my first ever heels. I would say that the shoes were a lucky charm for me." 

On the other hand, the rosary was given to her by MUPH executive vice-president Voltaire Tayag after he finished a pilgrimage. 

"I have a rosary from Sir V (Voltaire)  because he just had his mission to walk, and he gave me that rosary. It's very important to me to take that with me to Mexico because I know he didn't just walk there for himself, but he indulged or took me to his prayers simultaneously," the beauty queen from Bulacan commented.

Chelsea was honored by friends, family, fellow queens, her creative team and MUPH officials led by Jonas Gaffud during her official send-off ceremony held at Hilton Hotel Manila on Oct. 9.

"I love you so much. I know you will win in Mexico!," Chelsea's tearful mom, Contessa, declared.

Chelsea Manalo with Miss Universe 2013 3rd runner-up Ariella Arida

Shamcey Supsup-Lee and Ariella Arida, who placed 3rd runner-up in Miss Universe 2011 and 2013, respectively,  praised Chelsea's professionalism and "authentic" charm.  

Shamcey intoned that Chelsea's positive attitude is an asset for the crown, which has to deal with brands a lot. She recalled when they had a shoot for a sponsor. "She (Chelsea) was sick and had a fever, but not one complaint from her for the whole day of shooting."

Miss Bingo Plus Universe of MUPH 2024,  Maica Martinez of Nueva Ecija, declared herself proud of her batchmate. "Of course, we're manifesting and claiming Manalo to Mexico! I'm just so proud of you, Chelsea. We've spent so much time together, many months, as queen sisters."

On a scale of 1 to 10, Chelsea indicated and rated how prepared she was to compete in Mexico for Miss Universe.

"Can I just say nine? Meron pang isang naiwan kasi I don't want to always put myself naman na I'm 100 percent ready. I think yung 1 percent na naiwan is the whole Filipinos. Konting push pa for the support of all the Filipinos and I know I get na magiging 100 or more than 10 pa na ready ako. If I can get that support from all the other Filipinos who are here right now, beyond your lenses, beyond the media, then we're ready to get that crown," Chelsea stressed.

BingoPlus, your comprehensive entertainment platform in the country and provider of your favorite online tongits, bingo, and perya games, delivered a fun-filled and truly entertaining year for the pageant scene in the country as the brand successfully presented Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) 2024.

MUPH 2024 Chelsea Manalo with her mom Contessa and stepfather Randy

This year, BingoPlus stands as the MUPH lead presenter, allowing the brand to bring in significant events for the pageant throughout the competition, making it enjoyable for the queens and the organizations and for all supporters across Filipino communities.

Among these activities were the press conference held at LimaPark Hotel Batangas City, the MUPH house visit to BingoPlus at Bonifacio Global City and BingoPlus Studio in Quezon City, Sponsors Night and the Preliminary Night at the Manila Hotel, and the Grand Coronation Night at the Mall of Asia Arena.

For BingoPlus, the partnership with Empireph Holdings Inc. has been monumental in promoting its advocacies in nurturing culture and communities, expanding efforts to protect rich biodiversity, and creating safe spaces and opportunities for wellness. 

The brand also ensured that its programs empowered women by launching its #GandaPlus campaign, which aimed to provide a platform for queens and fans to express their definition of beauty and purpose, ensuring a diverse and limitless meaning of beauty.