MORE than two months since the presentation of the delegates in February, the 2025 Miss Universe Philippines pageant has reached the homestretch with the conclusion of the crucial preliminary competition.
The pre-pageant show held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City on Monday evening, April 28, closed the preliminary phase of the national search.
During the ceremonies, the 66 delegates paraded individually in swimwear and sheer capes in shades of purple and lavender in the swimsuit round, all wearing the âMaureenâ pair from the Jojo Bragais pageant heels collection, the same model used in the 71st Miss Universe pageant won by RâBonney Gabriel.
They then reappeared in the evening gown segment, wearing designer creations of their own choice, capping the evening with elegance and sophistication.
Reigning Miss Universe Philippines Chelsea Manalo, who was proclaimed as the first-ever Miss Universe Asia in the international contest in Mexico last year, hosted the show with Erika Kristensen-Lee.
The eveningâs judging panel included Kapuso actress Bianca Umali and Miss Universe Philippines director Shamcey Supsup-Lee.
The grueling individual interview phase was conducted the morning before the preliminary competition show, with the ladies facing a panel of interviewers.
Scores from the interview round, the swimsuit contest, and the evening gown segment will be combined to determine the ladies who will compete in the semifinals.
The candidates with the highest scores from the judges and the delegates who will top the several online polls will comprise the semifinalists who will be announced in the finals.
Meanwhile, the ladies will be back on stage today for the national costume competition, as well as for the Charity Gala Night, to be held at Okada Manila. The event will be attended by reigning Miss Universe Victoria KjĂŠr Thielvig, and her four continental queens, including Manalo.
The 2025 Miss Universe Philippines coronation show will be held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on May 2. The winner will be sent to the 74th Miss Universe pageant in Thailand in November. (Armin P. Adina © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
