After only five years, Miss Universe Philippines has already entered a new era. This year’s edition began with National Director Shamcey Supsup-Lee announcing her bid for Pasig councilor in the 2025 Local Elections. This left her no recourse but to abdicate from her position, thus allowing her fellow Miss Universe 3rd Runner-Up, Ariella Arida, to take over. While we’ve yet to feel the full effect of this transition, the excitement mounted as this year’s roster was announced.

Technically, 2021 had more candidates. But since that was a hybrid edition, the initial roster of 100 took part in a series of online challenges, which subjected them to three rounds of elimination as weeks progressed. Only 30 qualified by coronation night, with two more dropping out on account of illness. A similar format was then employed the following year, but with a much smaller starting number. 50 pre-qualifiers began their quest, with only 31 making it onstage. It was only in 2023 when every single qualifier started the race as a full-fledged candidate, with no more pre-final cuts ending their dreams prematurely. 

So, with physical events back to being the norm, 69 is still a record number – that, considering there are no-shows like Mandaue’s Stefanie Przewodnik, Palawan’s Jamaica Long, and, most frustratingly, Sindangan’s Ybonne Ortega, who once already lost her shot in 2021 after testing COVID-positive. 

Three more promising contenders also withdrew from the starting fray after the press presentation. There’s KC Defiesta, who would have marked Zamboanga City’s debut and Cebu Province’s Chella Grace Falconer, who would have fought to repeat her 2021 placement (then as Misamis Oriental’s representative). And, while it was never officially confirmed as the reason, Cabanatuan City’s Maica Martinez is currently running for office. So, much as she looks more competitive than when she placed last year, a sacrifice had to be made. 

This also marks the second year of the Accredited Partners system, which allows local governments to obtain licenses and the right to select their respective entrants. Just like last year, accreditation is open to every geographic status, so it’s no longer just limited to provinces or highly urbanized (major) cities. This partially accounts for Tuguegarao proxying for Cagayan, and the municipality of Basey going head to head with Samar. It’s confusing, all right, but we go with the status quo for now. 

Overseas delegates are also back in droves, but with one refreshing twist. Since everyone’s aiming to represent the motherland, they’re now required to jointly represent their “Filipino Societies” abroad and their local roots. This paves the way for provinces like Camarines Norte and Ifugao to make their debuts, while ensuring that Australia and New York are still ably represented. Sadly, both Princess Fernandez of Alberta, Canada and Hanna Gilmore of Los Angeles were never re-sashed. Both pulled out before pageant kick-off. 

Yet, despite the substantial attrition, it’s still a highly competitive field. Even with the presence of celebrated veterans enjoying the hype, there’s a bevy of very promising newcomers poised to shake up everyone’s lists. If Chelsea Manalo’s win last year were any indication, a complete neophyte could easily take it all. And not even the most seasoned veteran is spared from the agony of defeat. So, no one should rest on her laurels – especially with everyone bringing her A-Game at each turn. 

COMING UP: A three-part run-through of the 66 remaining candidates.