The Miss Universe Philippines preliminaries for 2025 lit up the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City on April 28, as 66 stunning candidates competed for a place in the prestigious pageant’s finals. The event was a celebration of Filipino beauty, talent, and fashion, capturing the hearts of audiences nationwide and making waves online.

As one of the most anticipated events in the country’s pageant calendar, the Miss Universe Philippines preliminaries are more than just a competition—they’re a national celebration. From the breathtaking gowns to the confident strides in swimwear, each segment was a showcase of the country’s vibrant culture and world-class pageantry.

The evening gown competition is often regarded as the crown jewel of any pageant, and this year’s Miss Universe Philippines preliminaries did not disappoint. Every candidate walked the stage with pride, grace, and charisma, embodying both modern sophistication and Filipino heritage.

Among the many impressive participants, several candidates caught the public’s attention for their poise and sartorial choices:

• Winwyn Marquez (Muntinlupa) dazzled in a sparkling strapless gown with a fringe skirt, designed by Carlo Angelo Niu. The look was bold yet elegant, accentuating her pageant experience and commanding stage presence.
• Ahtisa Manalo (Quezon Province) glided across the stage in a white and gold ensemble that married regal and romantic aesthetics, symbolizing purity and strength.
• Katrina Llegado (Taguig) wore a modern sculptural gown in rich red, evoking power and confidence while paying homage to traditional Filipina beauty.

These fashion statements were more than just fabric and beads—they were stories told through the artistry of top Filipino designers and stylists.

The Miss Universe Philippines preliminaries are also a powerful platform for showcasing local design talent. Designers like Michael Leyva, Jaggy Glarino, and Cherry Veric contributed to the dazzling visual display, incorporating native weaves, beading techniques, and cultural symbols into contemporary couture. Their work not only elevated the candidates but also represented Filipino creativity on a global scale.

The swimsuit portion of the Miss Universe Philippines preliminaries emphasized physical fitness, confidence, and empowerment. All 66 candidates wore identical violet swimsuits—symbolic of unity and fairness—yet each woman brought her unique energy and flair to the stage.

From bold poses to radiant smiles, the candidates embodied self-assurance and body positivity. Judges and audiences alike praised how the segment celebrated health and individuality rather than conforming to traditional beauty standards.

Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and TikTok exploded with reactions. Hashtags such as #MUPH2025Prelims and #MissUniversePhilippines2025 trended overnight. Netizens praised their favorites and debated standout moments, with fan support reaching viral levels for some candidates even before the final competition.

A pleasant surprise during the evening was Chelsea Manalo, the reigning Miss Universe Philippines 2024 and a top 20 semifinalist at Miss Universe, taking the stage not as a contestant but as the event’s radiant host.

Chelsea brought her grace, charisma, and elegance to the microphone, proving she could command attention both as a queen and as a presenter. Her presence lent prestige to the night, and her effortless rapport with the audience kept the energy high from start to finish.

Having Chelsea at the helm sent a clear message: Miss Universe Philippines isn’t just about beauty—it’s about legacy, leadership, and empowering future queens. As she welcomed each contestant with a warm smile, she symbolized the journey that each woman hopes to take: from contender to crowned icon.

The Miss Universe Philippines preliminaries are more than just a stepping stone to the coronation night. They’re a cultural phenomenon in the Philippines. Year after year, these preliminaries spark conversations about women’s empowerment, inclusivity, and national pride.

Pageantry holds a special place in Filipino culture. It brings together communities, encourages women to advocate for causes they believe in, and provides opportunities for self-growth and national representation.

This year’s candidates didn’t just strut the runway—they also shared their advocacies through personal interviews and social media. Many focused on mental health, environmental sustainability, education for underprivileged youth, and gender equality. These powerful messages resonate with audiences, especially younger Filipinos looking for role models beyond physical appearance.

With the Miss Universe Philippines preliminaries concluded, all eyes now turn to the grand coronation night on May 2, 2025, which will take place at the iconic Mall of Asia Arena. Finalists will face off in more segments, including a Q&A portion that will test their wit, substance, and communication skills.

Fans can expect electrifying performances, stunning fashion, and one deserving candidate to emerge as the next Miss Universe Philippines—a representative of the nation’s values, diversity, and spirit.

The Miss Universe Philippines preliminaries once again proved why the Philippines is considered a powerhouse in global pageantry. From the gowns to the interviews, the swimsuits to the smiles, every detail reflected the best of what Filipinas have to offer.

More than a competition, the preliminaries were a celebration—of culture, of womanhood, and of national pride. As we await the coronation night, let us continue to uplift and support these women who represent the true essence of a modern Filipina: confident, compassionate, and empowered.