AT A GLANCE
So far, the only previous queen who has been confirmed to arrive is Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa, but the MUPH executives hinted that there could be more who will attend.
For the first time, three women who are already mothers made it to the final cut after the pageant announced that it will accept applicants regardless of their marital status.
Miss Universe PH 2023 candidates during the press presentation in Taguig City last April 11.
Starstruck. That's how Miss Universe Philippines wants its audience to feel as it announced a celebrity-studded line-up for the Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) 2023 Coronation Night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on May 13.
The list includes two of the hottest local movie stars as event hosts, a couple of international performers, with the special attendance of reigning Miss Universe R'Bonney Gabriel and the new Miss Universe Organization owner, Anne Jakrajutatip of Thailand.
Miss Universe Philippines director of communications Voltaire Tayag revealed during the Press Presentation of the pageant's official 38 candidates that Kapuso stars Alden Richards and Xian Lim will be this year's hosts. Reporting on the backstage happenings will be Tim Yap and Miss Globe 2021 Maureen Montagne.
Earlier, it was reported that K-pop star Nam Woo-Hyun will be performing during the finals. Yesterday, April 11, Tayag bared the addition of American Idol 11th season runner-up. Jessica Sanchez is one of those who will render a song number.
Pageant veterans Michelle Dee (left) of Makati and Samantha Panlilio of Cavite are in this year's batch of MUPH candidates
MUPH national director Shamcey Supsup said that Miss Universe 2022 R'Bonney will fly into town on the first week of May. "She will have a lot of activities with us prior to the coronation and she will be here to attend the coronation with us."
"Apart from her, we are also inviting other Miss Universe winners. We will have a lot of other guests coming. We always want to top what we did last year," Shamcey added.
So far, the only previous queen who has been confirmed to arrive is Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa, but the MUPH executives hinted that there could be more who will attend.
For the first time, three women who are already mothers made it to the final cut after the pageant announced that it will accept applicants regardless of their marital status.
The three women are Miss Benguet Joemay-an Leo, Miss Quezon City Mary Eileen Gonzales, and Miss Paranaque, Clariele Dacanay. Meanwhile, one of the contestants, Claire Inso of Lapu-Lapu, said she joined even though she is only 5 feet 4 inches because MUPH also lowered the height requirement.
MUPH National Director Shamcey Supsup-Lee
A few pageant veterans are also in this year's batch which includes last year's winners Michelle Dee ( Miss Universe Philippines Tourism 2022) and Pauline Amelinckx ( Miss Universe Philippines Charity 2022).
Shamcey said that they're not just looking for someone with a beautiful face and body. "We are looking for someone who is strong, independent, and knows that her work starts the moment she wins. Carrying the Philippines in the Miss Universe stage is such a big responsibility. It has to be someone who is already strong in mind, body, and spirit. She should have a purpose bigger than her ambition," stated the Miss Universe 2011 third runner-up.
Tickets to the 2023 Miss Universe Philippines Coronation Night are available at smtickets.com under the following prices: P12,780 (VIP), P5,270 (Lower Box), P1,490 (Upper Box), and P500 (General Admission).
This year's official candidates for Miss Universe Philippines 2023:
- Jannarie Zarzoso, 24, Agusan Del Norte
- Avery Marianne Sugcang, 21, Aklan
- Kristen Mae Boccang, 23, Apayao
- Jan Marie Bordon, 22, Bacolod
- Alexandria Bollier, 25, Bacoor City
- Krishnan Marie Gravidez, 22, Baguio Cityty
- Karen Joyce M. Olfato, 25, Batangas
- Joemay-an Leo, 27, Benguet
- Pauline Cucharo Amelinckx, 27, Bohol
- Princess Anne Marcos, 24, Bulacan
- Shayne Glenmae Maquiran, 25, Capiz
- Samantha Alexandra Panlilio, 27, Cavite
- Dianne C. Padillo, 27, Cebu City
- Emmanuelle Fabienne Camcam, 28, Cebu Province (aka Emmanuelle Vera)
- Klyza Ferrando Castro, 23, Davao Oriental
- Airissh T. Ramos, 26, Eastern Samar
- Vanessa Tse Wing, 26, Guimaras
- Chloei Darl Gabales, 21, Iloilo City
- Kimberlyn Jane Madamba Acob, 24, Isabela
- Clare Sanchez Inso, 24, Lapu-Lapu
- Michelle Daniela Marquez Dee, 27, Makati City
- Iman Franchesca Cristal, 24, Mandaluyong City
- Christine Joy Salcedo, 24, Marinduque
- Vanessa Maria Yuson Matzeit, 25, Negros Oriental
- Layla Yousif Adriatico, 26, Northern Samar
- Laicka Bonquin Implamado, 26, Occidental Mindoro
- Louise Joy Gallardo, 21, Palawan
- Mary Angelique Manto, 26, Pampanga
- Clariele Dacanay, 24, Parañaque City
- Kali Navea-Huff, 27, Pasig City
- Mary Eileen Palencia Gonzales, 27, Quezon City
- Lesly Joy Sim, 26, Quezon Province
- Rein Hillary Carrascal, 25, Sorsogon
- Kimberly Escartin, 25, Southern Leyte
- Hyra Desiree Betito, 26, Surigao del Norte
- Nikki Justine Breedveld, 26, Taguig City
- Christiana Afia Yeboah, 25, Tiaong, Quezon
- Christine Juliane Opiaza, 23, Zambales
