Miss Universe Philippines

For the most recent competition, see Miss Universe Philippines 2025. For upcoming competition, see Miss Universe Philippines 2026.
Miss Universe Philippines
TypeWomen's beauty pageant
Franchise holderEmpire Philippines
HeadquartersBonifacio Global City, Taguig, Philippines
Country representedPhilippines
Qualifies forMiss Universe
First edition2020
Most recent edition2025
Current titleholderAhtisa Manalo
Quezon
President and CEO
Jonas Gaffud
National Director
Ariella Arida
Director of Communications
Voltaire Tayag
Language
  • Filipino
  • English
PredecessorBinibining Pilipinas

Miss Universe Philippines is an annual national beauty pageant run by the organization of the same name under Empire Philippines. The pageant selects the official representative to Miss Universe—one of the Big Four beauty pageants. Through its sister organization, The Miss Philippines, the pageant also names competitors to several minor beauty pageants.

The reigning Miss Universe Philippines is Ahtisa Manalo of Quezon, who was crowned on May 2, 2025, in Pasay, Philippines.

History

See also: Philippines at the Big Four beauty pageants

From 1964 to 2019, Binibining Pilipinas held the national franchise for Miss Universe, wherein it was responsible for selecting Filipinas to represent the Philippines and compete at the annual Miss Universe pageant.[1] Under Binibining Pilipinas, the Philippine representatives to the Miss Universe pageant were crowned with the title of Binibining Pilipinas from 1964 to 1971, and Binibining Pilipinas Universe from 1974 to 2011.[2] In 2012, the franchise renamed the Binibining Pilipinas Universe title to Miss Universe Philippines. The title was first used at Binibining Pilipinas 2012.[3]

In December 2019, the Miss Universe Organization granted the Philippine franchise to a new organizing body led by Binibining Pilipinas Universe 2011 and Miss Universe 2011 third runner-up Shamcey Supsup-Lee as national director, and Binibining Pilipinas Universe 2006 Lia Andrea Ramos as Women Empowerment Chair. The creation of the new Miss Universe Philippines Organization formed a separate, standalone pageant responsible for the selection of the Philippine delegate to the Miss Universe pageant.[4][5] Since 2024, delegates to minor beauty pageants were selected in parallel to the main title through the pageant's offshoot organization The Miss Philippines.[6]

In February 2025, Ariella Arida, Miss Universe Philippines 2013 succeeded Supsup-Lee as national director after the latter launched a bid for councilor in the 2025 Pasig local elections.[7][8] The pageant announced that Arida's role as national director will emphasize the training and development of its competitors.[9]

Contestant selection

See also: List of Miss Universe Philippines localities

From the 2020 to 2023, candidates for the competition were recruited through a process of application and subsequent screening.[10] At the same time, local pageants affiliated with the pageant were given the right to nominate delegates to the pageant.[11][12] In 2021 and 2022, the organization partnered with the Philippine social networking app Kumu in determining the final entrants from longlisted candidates through online contests.[13] In April 2023, the Miss Universe Philippines introduced the Accredited Partners Program, allowing local pageants to access MUPH branded merchandising.[14]

The organization abolished the application process in 2024, after which all delegates would be coming from the accredited partners of the pageant, whether through a local pageant or appointment.[15] The national director Shamcey Supsup-Lee, explained the change intended to "even the playing field" between delegates in Metro Manila and "in the provinces" by ensuring that delegates to the competition were supported by local organizations.[16][17] That same year, competitors representing Overseas Filipino Communities were sent for the first time.[18] The following year, diaspora competitors were required to represent a Philippine locality at the same time.[19]

Crowns

The Filipina crown, as worn by Miss Universe Philippines 2021, Beatrice Gomez (left) and the La Mer en Majesté crown, as worn by Miss Universe Philippines 2024, Chelsea Manalo (right)
  • Filipina (2020–2021) — Named for the feminine form of Filipino, the crown was crafted by the Villarica family jewelers of Bulacan. According to the designers, the elements of the crown represent the "qualities, aspirations, values, and symbols of the Filipino people". The swirl of leaves represents every woman who aims for success in "different forms" but still keeps "the Filipino values in their hearts"; diamond embedded in each leaf signifies "the sparkle" in the lives of people that each woman encounters; golden South Sea pearls represent four values of creativity, intelligence, optimism, and fear of God; sapphire, ruby, and topaz were patterned after the blue, red, and yellow colors of the flag of the Philippines.[20][21] The crown has an estimated value of ₱5 million (nearly $100,000).[22]
  • La Mer en Majesté (2022–present) — The name translates to "The Sea in Majesty". According to the organization, as the crown pays homage to the sea for "she is the queen of the elements". Embedded in the crown are golden South Sea Pearls, the national gem of the Philippines, which represents "a radiant symbol of the harmonious relationship between man and nature, capturing the very spirit of the Filipinos". The crown was crafted by the French and Filipino fine jewelry brand Jewelmer.[23][24]

Titleholders

For the complete details of placements of winners from the previous franchise, see List of Binibining Pilipinas titleholders § Miss Universe.
Legend
  •   Declared as the winner
  •   Finished as a runner-up
  •   Finished as one of the finalists or semifinalists
Year Represented Miss Universe Philippines Hometown Age[a] Placement Special award(s) Ref.
2020 Iloilo City Rabiya Mateo Balasan 24 Top 21 None [25][26]
2021 Cebu City Beatrice Gomez San Fernando 26 Top 5 None [27][28]
2022 Pasay Celeste Cortesi Pasay 25 Unplaced None [29][30]
2023 Makati Michelle Dee Makati 28 Top 10
4 Special Awards
    • Best National Costume
    • Voice For Change (Gold Winner)
    • Spirit of Carnival Award
    • Fan Vote Winner
 [31][32]
2024 Bulacan Chelsea Manalo Meycauayan 25 Top 30
2 Special Awards
    • Miss Universe Asia
    • Best National Costume
 [33][34]
2025 Quezon Ahtisa Manalo Candelaria 28 3rd Runner-Up
2 Special Awards
    • Best National Costume
    • Beyond the Crown Award (Third Place)
 [35][36][37]

Reception

Miss Universe Philippines was awarded as Best National Host Tour Country in 2024 and Best National Pageant in 2025.[38]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ Ages at the time of Miss Universe

References

  1. ^ "LOOK BACK: The Binibining Pilipinas legacy through the decades". Rappler. December 11, 2019. Archived from the original on November 12, 2020. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
  2. ^ "Miss Universe Philippines crown no longer with Binibining Pilipinas". Rappler. December 9, 2019. Archived from the original on December 9, 2019. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  3. ^ "Last year's runner-up crowned 2012 Bb Pilipinas Universe". Rappler. April 15, 2012. Archived from the original on November 30, 2024. Retrieved September 1, 2021.
  4. ^ "Shamcey Supsup to lead 'fresh' Miss Universe PH organization". ABS-CBN News. December 9, 2019. Retrieved September 1, 2021.
  5. ^ "New Miss Universe Philippines pageant launches 2020 search". ABS-CBN News. December 16, 2019. Retrieved September 1, 2021.
  6. ^ Bracamonte, Earl D. C. "4 more titles to be appointed after Miss Universe Philippines 2024 coronation". Philstar.com. Archived from the original on July 24, 2024. Retrieved February 11, 2026.
  7. ^ Legaspi, C. Mendez (February 16, 2025). "Ariella Arida is new Miss Universe Philippines national director". Philstar.com. Archived from the original on September 15, 2025. Retrieved March 1, 2025.
  8. ^ Adina, Armin P. (February 16, 2025). "Ariella Arida is new Miss Universe Philippines national director". INQUIRER.net. Archived from the original on March 3, 2025. Retrieved March 1, 2025.
  9. ^ "Ariella Arida 'grateful and ready' to be Miss Universe PH national director | ABS-CBN Entertainment". ABS-CBN. Archived from the original on February 17, 2025. Retrieved March 1, 2025.
  10. ^ Lato-Ruffolo, Cris Evert (December 16, 2019). "Miss Universe Philippines bares official call for 2020 pageant applicants". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on December 16, 2019. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  11. ^ Lato-Ruffolo, Cris Evert (December 16, 2019). "Miss Universe Philippines bares official call for 2020 pageant applicants". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on December 16, 2019. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  12. ^ Lato-Ruffolo, Cris Evert (December 16, 2019). "Miss Universe Philippines bares official call for 2020 pageant applicants". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on December 16, 2019. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  13. ^ Lato-Ruffolo, Cris Evert (December 16, 2019). "Miss Universe Philippines bares official call for 2020 pageant applicants". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on December 16, 2019. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  14. ^ Adina, Armin P. (August 16, 2023). "No more screenings for 2024 Miss Universe PH pageant". INQUIRER.net. Archived from the original on March 9, 2024. Retrieved October 23, 2023.
  15. ^ Adina, Armin P. (April 12, 2023). "Miss Universe Philippines introduces new partnership programs". INQUIRER.net. Archived from the original on October 7, 2024. Retrieved October 23, 2023.
  16. ^ Cruz, Moises (November 11, 2023). "Shamcey Supsup-Lee believes Philippines is 'powerhouse of pageantry'". The Manila Times. Archived from the original on November 16, 2023. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  17. ^ Adina, Armin P. (August 16, 2023). "No more screenings for 2024 Miss Universe PH pageant". INQUIRER.net. Archived from the original on January 30, 2024. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  18. ^ Lato-Ruffolo, Cris Evert (December 16, 2019). "Miss Universe Philippines bares official call for 2020 pageant applicants". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on December 16, 2019. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  19. ^ Basina, Carby Rose (February 15, 2025). "Miss Universe Philippines 2025: Here are the official delegates for this year's competition". GMA News Online. Archived from the original on February 16, 2025. Retrieved February 15, 2025.
  20. ^ Madarang, Catalina Ricci (October 21, 2020). "Yay or nay? Miss Universe Philippines 'Filipina' crown design thrills beauty pageant fans". Interaksyon. Archived from the original on February 23, 2025. Retrieved October 21, 2020.
  21. ^ Manucom, Randz; Buyo, Carla (October 25, 2020). "This Is The First-Ever Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Crown—See How It Looks On Rabiya Mateo!". Interaksyon. Archived from the original on November 1, 2020. Retrieved November 12, 2020.
  22. ^ Tuazon, Nikko (October 21, 2020). "How much is the Miss Universe Philippines crown?". PEP.ph. Archived from the original on January 4, 2023. Retrieved September 1, 2021.
  23. ^ @themissuniversephilippines; (April 19, 2022). "Presenting the La Mer en Majesté Crown" – via Instagram.
  24. ^ Viernes (April 19, 2022). "Miss Universe Philippines unveils its La Mer en Majesté crown". GMA News Online. Archived from the original on February 18, 2025. Retrieved April 19, 2022.
  25. ^ "Iloilo's Rabiya Mateo is Miss Universe Philippines 2020". Rappler. October 25, 2020. Archived from the original on September 15, 2021. Retrieved September 1, 2021.
  26. ^ "Rabiya Mateo concludes Miss Universe 2020 journey in top 21". Rappler. May 17, 2021. Archived from the original on March 31, 2022. Retrieved March 31, 2022.
  27. ^ Malig, Kaela (September 30, 2021). "Beatrice Gomez is Miss Universe Philippines 2021!". GMA News Online. Archived from the original on September 30, 2021. Retrieved September 30, 2021.
  28. ^ Lachica, Immae (December 13, 2021). "Bea Gomez makes MU mark, ends in the top 5 with Pintados-inspired evening gown". INQUIRER.net. Archived from the original on November 30, 2024. Retrieved March 31, 2022.
  29. ^ "Pasay's Celeste Cortesi is Miss Universe Philippines 2022". Rappler. April 30, 2022. Archived from the original on July 20, 2024. Retrieved April 30, 2022.
  30. ^ "Philippines' Celeste Cortesi finishes Miss Universe 2022 journey early". Rappler. January 15, 2023. Archived from the original on June 20, 2024. Retrieved January 15, 2023.
  31. ^ Adina, Armin P. (May 14, 2023). "Michelle Dee of Makati crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2023". INQUIRER.net. Archived from the original on February 21, 2024. Retrieved May 13, 2023.
  32. ^ Requintina, Robert (November 19, 2023). "PH bet Michelle Dee ends Miss Universe 2023 journey in the Top 10". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on July 19, 2024. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  33. ^ Iglesias, Iza (May 23, 2024). "Bulacan's Chelsea Anne Manalo wins Miss Universe Philippines 2024". The Manila Times. Archived from the original on May 22, 2024. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
  34. ^ "Chelsea Manalo named first Miss Universe Asia: 'Mabuhay ang Pilipinas'". GMA News Online. November 17, 2024. Archived from the original on November 30, 2024. Retrieved November 17, 2024.
  35. ^ "Miss Universe 2025: Ahtisa Manalo finishes as the third runner-up". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on November 21, 2025. Retrieved November 22, 2025.
  36. ^ "Filipinos voice disappointment over MU results, proud of Ahtisa Manalo". ABS-CBN News. Archived from the original on November 28, 2025. Retrieved November 22, 2025.
  37. ^ Entretenimiento, Por Bárbara Sepúlveda NúñezPeriodista de (November 26, 2025). "¿Qué país obtuvo el premio al "Mejor Traje Típico" en Miss Universe 2025?". El Nuevo Día (in Spanish). Archived from the original on November 26, 2025. Retrieved November 27, 2025.
  38. ^ "LIST: Winners of Miss Universe 2024 special awards". Philstar Life. Archived from the original on December 26, 2024. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
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  • Empire.ph – official website of the franchise holder
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