THE 2024 Miss Universe Philippines pageant is proving to be very competitive, with a slew of international pageant veterans joining the fray in hopes of representing the country once again.
Among the 55 aspirants presented at the grand ballroom of Hilton Manila at the Newport complex in Pasay City on Sunday, Feb. 18, are a handful of former national titleholders from the Binibining Pilipinas pageant and veterans of other national competitions.
Appointed as Quezon Province’s representative is 2018 Miss International first runner-up Ahtisa Manalo, who has been on the “Wish Miss” list of many Filipino pageant fans. Meanwhile 2015 Miss Intercontinental first runner-up Christi McGarry, who 2015 Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach said was one queen she wants to see join again, was appointed to represent Taguig City.
Kris Tiffany Janson, who was third in the 2014 Miss Intercontinental pageant, won the Miss Universe Philippines Cebu search, while 2019 Miss Tourism International winner Cyrille Payumo captured the Miss Universe Philippines Pampanga crown.
Another lady who has seen action in the international arena is Alexie Mae Brooks from Iloilo City. Though she has not participated in any global pageant yet, she has carried the Philippine flag abroad as a member of the national team fielded in the Southeast Asian Games.
Victoria Velasquez Vincent, who was proclaimed as Miss Universe Philippines Charity in 2021, is returning this year as the appointed representative of Bacoor, Cavite, while 2022 Bb. Pilipinas second runner-up Stacey Gabriel was appointed to represent Cainta, Rizal. Miss Philippines Earth alumna Anita Rose Gomez is representing the province of Zambales.
Bb. Pilipinas and Century Superbods alumna Selena Antonio Reyes is representing Pasig City. She is the lone married contestant in this year’s competition. The 38-year-old mother has two school-aged kids.
Michelle Dee’s Worthy Successor
The 2024 Miss Universe Philippines pageant is looking for a worthy successor to last year’s winner Michelle Dee, who is leaving huge shoes to fill by being the most awarded delegate in the 2023 Miss Universe pageant.
Aside from finishing in the Top 10, Dee was also proclaimed as one of the gold finalists of the “Voice for Change” initiative by Miss Universe crown provider Mouawad with CI Talsk, received the “Spirit of Carnival” award from Carnival Cruises, topped the popular fan vote, and led in the online poll for national costume.
The Philippines has produced four Miss Universe winners to date. Aside from Wurtzbach, the other Filipino titleholders are Gloria Diaz, Margie Moran and Catriona Gray. (Armin P. Adina © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
