MUPH 2024: Fresh faces, pageant pros among 54 candidates competing for crown

MANILA, Philippines — Among the 54 contestants who will compete in this year’s Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) are old-timers in the world of pageantry. The stunning beauty queens were officially introduced during the organization’s Press Presentation event held recently.

Among them are Ma. Ahtisa Manalo of Quezon Province who placed first runner-up at the Miss International 2018 held in Tokyo, Japan; Victoria Velasquez Vincent of Bacoor who was Miss Universe Philippines Charity 2021; “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” actress Stacey Gabriel of Cainta who was Bb. Pilipinas 2022 second runner-up, and 34-year-old Kris Tiffany Janson from Cebu who was Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental 2014.

Last year, the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) announced the removal of all age restrictions across all Miss Universe associated pageants. The ladies joining MUPH 2024 are between 18 to 39 years old.

Miss Supermodel Worldwide 2022 Alexandra Mae Rosales from Laguna, Miss Tourism International 2019 Cyrille Payumo from Pampanga, and Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental 2015 Christi Lynn McGarry from Taguig are also taking part in the pageant.

Early on, Iloilo City’s Alexie Brooks gained the attention of netizens for her impressive performance in the local pageant. The Black beauty is an athlete and a member of the LGBTQ community.

The girlfriend of singer-actor Juan Karlos “JK” Labajo, Dia Mate, will represent Cavite in the upcoming competition.

The other candidates chosen through their respective local pageants include Elaine Bernales (Albay), Joanna Marie Thornley (Angeles), Kymberlee Street (Australia), Yvonne Catamco (Bacolod), Justine Tarah Valencia (Baguio), Juvel Ducay (Bantayan Island), Mariztella Ilagan Lat (Batangas), Bianca Gaviola (Bohol), Natasha Jane Bajuyo (Bukidnon), Chelsea Manalo (Bulacan), Daniella Villar (Cabanatuan), Lynn Eirene Lomongo (Cagayan de Oro), and Rethiana Rosa (Camiguin).

Joining them are Maria Isabel Pelayo (Davao City), Joanna Puyod Yulo (Davao Region), Matea Mahal Smith (Florida), Patricia Bianca Tapia (Hawaii), Angel Rose Tambal (Leyte), Rikki Mae dela Pena (Lucban), Victoria Leslie Ingram (Mandaue), Ysabel Macuja (Manila), Elle Hollman (Mariveles), Mary Yasol (Miami), Mary Rose Guiral (Naic), Kayla Jean Carter (Northern California), and Maica Cabling Martinez (Nueva Ecija).

Also part of this year’s batch are Zoleil Mellane Tan?o (Occidental Mindoro), Hershey Mhae Senit (Pagadian City), Raven Doctor (Palawan), Grace Jineah Chua Lumague (Pangasinan), Selena Alexis Antonio Reyes (Pasig), Lorraine Ojimba (Quezon City), Stephanie Faye Gerona (Quirino), Eunice Deza (San Pablo, Laguna), Joshell de Ocampo (Siargao), Janet Lyn Hammond (Southern California), and Jenina Lui (Sydney).

Tamara Ocier (Tacloban), Mary Josephine Paaske (Talisay City), Kim Irish Placibe (Toledo City), Zhyra Mae Cabalza (Tuguegarao), Christina dela Cruz Chalk (United Kingdom), Denise Nicole Mababangloob Yujuico (Virginia), Kiara Landon (Washington), and Anita Rose Gomez (Zambales) have also made the cut.

Days after the Press Presentation, Natasha Jung from Kananga announced in her social media page her withdrawal from the pageant citing personal reasons.

Whoever will be crowned as the grand winner of MUPH 2024 on May 22 at the SM Mall of Asia will represent the country at the 73rd Miss Universe pageant to be held in Mexico.

The executive vice-president of MUPH, Voltaire Tayag, said that the first few weeks of the pageant are dedicated to holding seminars, talks (in areas like mental health and financial literacy), and trainings in media interviews and runway performances for all the delegates.

“Because we have such an amazing line-up of sponsors this year, you can expect a show and production that will surely put a smile on everyone. Besides, we want our 54 delegates to have a night they will remember for a lifetime,” Tayag shared on what to expect from the coronation night.

The theme for MUPH 2024 is “Love for All” in the hope of sparking meaningful change in our world.

Through the MUPH events and “Love for All” projects led by the delegates, the organization aims to encourage people to Love our Culture, Love the Environment, Love for Women, Love for Children, Love the LGBTQIA Community, Love for Our Pets, and Love for the Creative Industry.

“And with this campaign, we hope that Miss Universe Philippines serves not only as a symbol of national pride, but also of love,” the organization said.

Meanwhile, the corresponding titles of The Miss Philippines and Mister Pilipinas Worldwide winners were also announced during the event.

These titles include: Miss Supranational Philippines 2024 for Alethea Ambrosio; Miss Asia Pacific International 2024 for Blessa Ericha; Miss Aura Philippines 2024 for Isabelle De Los Santos; Miss Eco International Philippines 2024 for Chantal Elise Schmidt, and Miss Eco Teen for Hanna Uyan.

Brandon Espiritu is Mister Pilipinas Supranational 2024; Dom Corilla, Mister Pilipinas Global 2024; Justine Ong, Mister Pilipinas International Ambassador 2024; Jordan San Juan, Mister Pilipinas Manhunt Supermodel 2024; Anthony Cunningham, Mister Pilipinas Man of the Year 2024 and Emerson Gomez, Mister Pilipinas Cosmopolitan 2024.