70th Miss Universe pageant in Israel to promote "green agenda"

Screen grab: i24NEWS English Youtube

The President of Miss Universe Organization, Paula Shugart, is currently in Israel and appeared for a TV interview with i24NEWS.

For this year's pageant, Shugart revealed that they will be promoting "green agenda".

"For all of the young women that are competing, obviously it's very important to have a cause. And for us this year, the one thing that all of our competitors have said that they all have a green agenda, you know global warming, climate change hits every single one of our contestants that knows no border," she said in the interview.

"So they are all going to be here. We're working with the production team now to really talk about our green agenda and what we're gonna to get the message and could've spotlight and what we need to do. That's we're here planning."

This is the first time that Israel will be hosting the big event. She explained why they chose the country.

"This is really one of the first big events coming out of COVID and there is no country I think in a better place to handle an international group than Israel and a lot being a green city. They certainly have the infrastructure in place and ready to handle it and so for us the decision was very easy."

She is also hoping that Israel's tourism will be promoted by this global event.

"We offer global exposure. The young women that compete and are here, those most of them would be their first time here. We have huge digital footprints. So they become all global ambassador. We're gonna show all of Israel but for their tourism, and say come back in tourism. That's what we do and the people that will be coming, it would be easy for us and I think it would be a beautiful television story,"she said.

The Miss Universe contest is one of the most watched beauty contests in the world with estimated 500 million live viewers in 190 countries and territories.

In the weeks ahead of the competition, contestants will get to explore the rich history and culture of Israel, with visits to notable locations, including the Dead Sea, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and those throughout the host city of Eilat. Reigning Miss Universe from Mexico, Andrea Meza is set to visit Israel later this summer to begin to explore the country in which she will give up her title. 

In a press statement released last July, the Miss Universe Organization, the Israeli Ministry of Tourism and the city of Eilat today announced that the 70th MISS UNIVERSE® competition air live from Eilat, Israel in December 2021. The pageant will once again be hosted by legendary entertainer Steve Harvey on FOX.

Two Binibining Pilipinas queens primed to compete in international pageants

Press Release

Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI) continues its traditional farewell for competing queens via a virtual rousing send-off party for Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2021 Maureen Montagne and Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental 2021 Cinderella Obeñita on Friday, October 8.

Aired via the official Facebook page and YouTube channel of Binibining Pilipinas , the online gathering showered Maureen and Cindy with love and support from their Queen Sisters, members of the press, and their families, as they suit up for their respective pageants, days before their fly off to their respective destinations.

During the send-off, the queens were received by BPCI Chairman, Mrs. Stella Marquez-Araneta, in Araneta City with a warm recognition. 

“My dearest Cindy and Maureen, I wish you the best of luck in representing the Philippines on the international stage. Embrace this opportunity to show the world the best qualities of a Filipina. . .You have the full support of Binibining Pilipinas in your next big adventure. We know you will give your all, so believe in yourself, just have fun, and bring home the crown,” Madame Araneta said.

Cagayan De Oro’s pride, Cindy will be first to compete at the Miss Intercontinental beauty pageant in Sharm El Sheik, Egypt on October 30. She follows in the footsteps of Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental 2019 Emma Mary Tiglao, who finished in the Top 20. Cindy’s goal is to be the second Filipina to wear the Miss Intercontinental crown after Karen Gallman.

The Batangueña beauty, Maureen will vie for the Miss Globe crown on November 6 in Tirana, Alabania. She follows in the tilt of Miss Globe 2019 2nd runner-up Leren Bautista, and aims to bring home our country’s second Miss Globe crown.

For more news on Binibining Pilipinas, visit www.bbpilipinas.com. Like the Binibining Pilipinas official Facebook page www.facebook.com/realbbpilipinas, follow @bbpilipinasofficial on Instagram and @RealBBPilipinas on Twitter, subscribe to @BBPilipinasOfficial YouTube channel.     

Former promo girl turned businesswoman vies for Mrs. Universe Philippines 2021 pageant

Mrs. Universe Philippines-General Santos 2021 Virgie Chua.

General Santos City bet in Mrs. Universe Philippines 2021 pageant, Virgie 'Ghie' Chua, is a perfect example of rags to riches story.

Before owning various businesses in GenSan, Ghie was a seasonal promodiser of various brands such as Rusty Lopez, Lee, Shoes Unlimited and Cotton ON for five years. She also worked in Sales and Marketing of MetroLifestyle Gym and Mont Albo for one year.

She was married at an early age of 19 and because of that she was unable to finish her Computer Secretarial course in ACLC AMA Computer Learning Center. 

Amid the challenges she was facing at that time, she did not let these difficulties discouraged her life. She made her way to the top through persistence.

Through her and her husband's perseverance, they were able to build business empires in General Santos such as Sumeiren Beauty Lounge and Wing & Stuff Food Restaurant, Ghie Boutique, Buy & Sell of truck and Fish/Tuna supplier, to name a few.

She is happily married for 15 years and is a loving mother to her 16-year old daughter.

She advocates for women empowerment by inspiring women not just in General Santos but all over the country. She wants her story to be an inspiration because she started from the bottom and from there, she was able to build her businesses. 

The 33-year old businesswoman is also an ambassadress of Police Station 7 of Philippine National Police and Bayanihan ng mga Ina. By being an ambassadress to our country's national police, she hopes to extend her advocacy to a large number of people. 

A virtual press conference was held Friday, October 1 to select pageant media. 

Asked on why she joined Mrs. Universe pageant, she said, "Ang Mrs. Universe is about advocacy. Ito yung stepping stone ko to extend my help. Kasi kung dito lang sa amin, hindi masiyadong open sa tulong. Ito ang gusto ko."

Virgie is proud of her birthplace, General Santos City. Her national costume is inspired of the two major festivals of the City called Kallilangan and Tuna Festival. Designed by Thing Camposano, it is embellished with beads, rhinestones, shells and some recycled materials with vibrant color and texture. 

Official national costume of Virgie Chua

She is one of the 18 contestants of the inaugural Mrs. Universe Philippines pageant. The finals will be held on October 7 at Okada Manila.

Three titles will be given - Mrs. Universe Philippines, Mrs. Pacific Continental and Mrs. North Pacific Asia. The winners will represent the country in Mrs. Universe 2021 pageant in South Korea in November.

Asked on why she deserved a crown, she said in jest, "I have the guts, all the talent and pretty face."

Beatrice Gomez explains her MUPh winning reaction

Rabiya Mateo crowns Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Beatrice Luigi Gomez. Screen grab: KTX.PH

A new Miss Universe Philippines was crowned last night, September 30, at the Henann Resort Convention Center in Panglao, Bohol. 

Beatrice Luigi Gomez, a native of Cebu City, bested other 27 candidates.

Many pageant fans have noticed that Beatrice remain calm during the announcement of winner.

Speaking to Dyan Castillejo on Friday, October 1 via Zoom interview, she said that she looked calm but shocked and didn't know how to react.

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"I looked calm pero I was just shocked. I didn't know how to react. Parang it's not the usual reaction you get in the crowning moment pero talaga I was happy inside but at the same time I didn't expect it. So I was just shocked," Gomez said to Castillejo.

What was going through her mind during the Top 2 moment with Katrina Dimaranan?

"Honestly I was very satisfied na po when I joined the Top 5 and then all of the girls are going out and then this was just me and Katrina. I was like 'Oh my God! Whatever happened I'm already a winner.' And parang hinihintay ko nalang siya, na sabihin niyo na, sabihin niyo na. Para ma-relieve na ako, parang hindi na ako makahinga. And then when they said it, parang totoo ba? Is it real?".

During the interview she revealed that she didn't expect to win.

"I was aiming for the crown of course, but I saw all the other girls and I was very much inspired by all of them when I saw their performances. Alam ko ang gagaling namin lahat. And I didn't know who would stand out. I didn't expect it was me. I delivered my best so I know na whatever happened I'm satisfied with everything, with the result whatever," she said.

Beatrice got the lion share of special awards including the Best in Swimsuit and Best in Evening Gown.

"I didn't expect anything. During our shoot hindi naman ako 'yung candidate na laging pinu-pull out to shoots for the endorsement of brands. And it was very unexpected lang."

Asked on what made her win, she said, "What made me win is my genuinity and the way I answered all of the questions and my performances. I made it as natural and as genuine it can be. I think that's what was highlighted last night, just be myself enjoying the stage. I think that's what made me stand out."

The openly gay beauty queen will represent the country in the 70th Miss Universe pageant in Israel in December.

She has two months left to prepare for the international competition. She said that she is excited and looking forward for the trainings that Miss Universe Philippines Organization laid for her.

Openly gay model wins Miss Universe Philippines 2021

Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Beatrice Luigi Gomez.

Beatrice Luigi Gomez of Cebu City and a proud member of LGBTQ community has won the Miss Universe Philippines 2021 crown during the finals held Thursday, September 30 at the Henann Resort Convention Center in Panglao, Bohol. 

Besting other 27 contestants, Gomez will represent the country in the 70th edition of Miss Universe pageant in Israel later this year.

Here is the full result:

Final Top 5:

• Miss Universe Philippines: Beatrice Luigi Gomez (Cebu City)
• Miss Universe Philippines Tourism: Katrina Dimaranan (Taguig)
• Miss Universe Philippines Charity: Victoria Velasquez Vincent (Cavite)
• 1st runner-up: Maureen Wroblewitz (Pangasinan)
• 2nd runner-up: Steffi Rose Aberasturi (Cebu Province)

Top 10:

• Maria Corazon Abalos (Mandaluyong) 
• Leren Mae Bautista (Laguna
• Kirsten Danielle Delavin (Masbate) 
• Janela Joy Cuaton (Albay) 
• Maria Ingrid Teresita Santamaria (Parañaque) 

Top 16:

• Christelle Abello (Aklan)
• Chella Grace Falconer (Misamis Oriental)
• Izabella Jasmine Umali (Manila) 
• Mirjan Hipolito (Angeles) 
• Jane Nicole Miñano (Romblon)
• Rousanne Marie Bernos (San Juan City) 

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Aside from the crown, Beatrice got the lion share of special awards such as Best in Swimsuit and Best in Evening Gown.

Beatrice studied at University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJR) in Cebu City with a degree in Mass Communication. She was a member of USJR's varsity volleyball team.

She was 2nd runner-up in Miss Mandaue 2015 and crowned Binibining Cebu in 2020.

During the final question round, she was asked how will she be able to continue inspiring others if during her reign things happened in her life that make her sad and uninspired.

"It is very evident that all of us went through difficulties during this pandemic, but it is also proof that we are able to rise to the occasion. And if anything happened to me during my reign, I will not give up and inspire others by rising to the problems that I am encountering and by inspiring them that whatever you are going through, you will be able to overcome it," her response to the question.

28 inspiring beauties flaunt their #StrongerQueenWithin at Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Coronation Night, powered by PLDT Home

PRESS RELEASE

As the official broadband partner of Miss Universe Philippines (MUP) 2021, PLDT Home reignites its commitment in powering young Filipina queens on their quest to become an inspiration to the world.

The country’s leading telecommunications and digital services provider joins millions of Filipinos online this September 30 (Thursday), as 28 Miss Universe Philippines candidates get together at the Henann Resort Alona Beach, Bohol for the Grand Coronation night. What to expect: A showcase of beauty, talent, and heart that will altogether define what it means to be a #StrongerQueenWithin!

PLDT Home is coming off last year’s successful partnership with the much-anticipated local pageant, which then crowned Iloilo’s Rabiya Mateo as both Miss Universe Philippines and Miss PLDT Home.

Mateo, a top 21 finisher at the 69th Miss Universe Pageant in Hollywood, Florida last May, will also be present at the Miss Universe Philippines 2021 event to crown her Miss PLDT Home successor.

PLDT Home powers Miss Universe Philippines 2021 coronation night. “Together, we continue to inspire and power Filipinas to be a #StrongerQueenWithin,” said Shamcey Supsup-Lee, MUP national director. (Photo credit: Shamcey Supsup-Lee) 

The Miss Universe Philippines 2021 coronation night will be streamed live via KTX on September 30, 7pm. It will be telecast via GMA 7 on October 3.

“We’re proud and delighted to have PLDT Home again as Miss Universe Philippines partner. We’re thankful for the brand joining and supporting our cause,” said MUP national director Shamcey Supsup-Lee.

“Together, we believe we can pave the way for queens to serve others and be an inspiration. Specifically, during this pandemic, it is through their strong and meaningful online connections that they become better, stronger, and more empowered women with a heart.”

The newly crowned Miss Universe Philippines will represent the Philippines in the international pageant, to be held in Eilat, Israel in December. 

As MUP’s official broadcast partner, PLDT Home seeks to power our young queens through their life in the new normal. By building powerful digital connections that bridge them to the rest of the world, the brand is able to help these beautifully confident Filipinas in their different advocacies and causes.

Follow the journey of Miss Universe Philippines 2021 and join the conversation online using the hashtags #StrongerQueenWithin and #InspireYou. Get the latest updates about PLDT Home through its social media pages on Facebook (www.facebook.com/pldthome), Instagram and Twitter (@pldthome). 

Shamcey Supsup on selecting MUPh winner: "I don't have the final say"

Shamcey Supsup and Sam Verzosa during the Miss Universe Philippines 2021 preliminary competition. Photo by Sam Verzosa. 

Miss Universe Philippines National Director Shamcey Supsup has revealed in her virtual interview with Gitri San Diego Monday, September 27 that she doesn't have the final say in selecting the Miss Universe Philippines winner.

"My preferences hindi naman din yun ang magiging final say, I don't have the final say. We have the judges. I have a few favorites in my mind na parang not really favorites," she said.

What are they looking for the next queen?

"Of course as an organization, I'm looking at somebody who can win in Miss Universe, 'di ba? Lahat naman tayo yun ang gusto natin na result. Hindi naman because na I'm close to this girl, or I know. It's more of who can shine on the Universe stage. That's my ultimate goal," she said during the virtual interview.

Read more: Shamcey Supsup, Rabiya Mateo comment on MUPh 2021 frontrunners.

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She said that having a variety of judges is important in selecting the winner. 

"Every time na nakikita ko ang mga girls, that's what I'm thinking. Like sino kaya, you know, who can bring home another Miss Universe crown? Kaya mahirap 'din kasi beauty is very subjective. You can't really say who will make it. You can't really like, yung gusto ko pwede hindi rin gusto ng ibang members of the board."

"So it's really important that we have a varied set of judges para iba-ibang industry. At least kung sakali they all vote for one girl, then you know okay, siya yung deserving. Siya yung nag-shine during that night," she added.

You can watch the full interview here:

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Rabiya Mateo is set to relinquish her crown to her successor during the grand coronation night on September 30 at the Henann Resort Convention Center in Panglao, Bohol. 

Watch the live coronation night on KTX. If you missed it, you can watch the delayed telecast on October 3, 9AM on GMA-7.

Shamcey Supsup, Rabiya Mateo comment on MUPh 2021 frontrunners

It's two days before the much awaited grand coronation night of Miss Universe Philippines 2021 pageant. On Monday night, September 27, National Director Shamcey Supsup and the reigning queen Rabiya Mateo had an online interview with Entertainment journalist, Gitri San Diego via Instagram live.

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During the interview, San Diego asked Shamcey and Rabiya about their thoughts on the performance of some frontrunners and their chance in winning the crown

Here's what they said about them:

Shamcey Supsup on Miss Taguig Katrina Dimaranan.

"I've known Katrina since she joined Binibini. You could say that she really stands out when she's on stage kasi sanay na siya eh. Masasabi mong pageant veteran kumbaga. So she knows her angle, may power siya on stage. Kaya nga siya naging frontrunner kasi a lot of people saw that specially during the preliminary competition."

Rabiya Mateo on Miss Masbate Kisses Delavin

"Ganito kasi Gitri. Minsan kasi alam mo kung sino pa yung hindi natin ini-expect, sila pa yung nag sha-shine. Nakita ko kasi kay Kisses gaano siya ka determined to win the crown kahit I think this is her first national pageant. Kaya sabi ko nga may tsansa eh."

Shamcey Supsup on Miss Laguna Leren Bautista

"Well same with Katrina, they're both queens in their own right. When I saw Leren, she was already a queen and then I saw her pictures and parang sabi mo 'ang gandang Pinay'. When you see her alam mong pure blood Filipina. 'Pag nakita mo siya, ang unang-una mong mapapansin talaga ah Pilipinang Pilipina, her skin color and her feature. And of course her being a veteran as well, I think also help her in the competition kasi she's also prepared same as Katrina."

Rabiya Mateo on Miss Cebu City Beatrice Luigi Gomez

"Ang lakas ng dating niya. Siguro yung presence ni Andrea Meza, sa kanya ko na fe-feel. Parang once she's inside the room, mapapatitig ka talaga sa kanya."

Shamcey Supsup on Miss Cebu Province Steffi Aberasturi

"Well she first caught my eyes talaga during catwalk challenge, their runway challenge. It was something wowed many of the fans and even a lot of pageant critics. I think she's really determined, I could see that in all her pasabogs, diba? Marami siyang baong pasabog. I heard that she really wanted the Miss Universe crown so she really waited for this moment daw to join a pageant na talagang meant for the Miss Universe crown. I don't know ang hirap diba?"

Rabiya Mateo on Miss Manila Jasmine Umali

"I like her personality but at the same time ang ganda-ganda ng performance niya during the preliminary. She stood out sa portion na 'yun (evening gown)."

Watch the live coronation night of Miss Universe Philippines 2021 on September 30, 7PM via KTX. If you missed it, you can watch the delayed telecast on October 3, 9AM on GMA-7.

'A tribute to her supporters': Kisses Delavin stuns in blue gown at MUPh 2021 preliminary

Miss Masbate Kisses Delavin looks stunning in blue gown as she competed at the Miss Universe Philippines 2021 preliminary evening gown competition. 

The event was pre-taped few days ago in Clark International Airport, Pampanga and was streamed live on Sunday, September 26 via KTX.

Kisses' gown was made by Louis Pangilinan.

Pangilinan shared on Facebook that the gown is a tribute to Delavin's fans and supporters.

He wrote, "Miss Universe Philippines candidate Kirsten Danielle “Kisses” Delavin in a stunning blue evening gown dedicated to her supporters."

"Magnifying its details, the color of this gown took inspiration from the Province’s Marine Sanctuary. Each beads, sequins, and crystal embellishment and structure of this gown represents the people of her Province and her loyal supporters— the Masbateños and Team Kisses," the designer added.

"The train and its one-shoulder length gloves is a representation of her fans as a sturdy wall to lean on. Flaunting this Louis Pangilinan Fashion Empire gown inspirits special people in her journey towards Miss Universe Philippines — Ang kanyang mga 'Tinatangi',"

On twitter, the former PBB housemate became a trending topic with the hashtags KIRSTEN DANIELLE DELAVIN and #MissUniversePhilippines2021".

Here are some of the comments praising Delavin's prelim performance:

Her aura radiates so much passion and confidence...

KIRSTEN DANIELLE DELAVIN

KISSES StarOfUniverse#Kisses4Universe#KissesDelavin https://t.co/dWYHpZyZv2

— Jhazzy❤️❤️❤️ (@KielKyn1921) September 26, 2021

She is really ready to conquer the universe. 😮✨ Go Kween!!! https://t.co/hIJn3UUiOz

— Nieves (@swiftlilies) September 26, 2021

Continue proving the doubters worng, love. Just do you!!!

KISSES StarOfUniverse#KissesForTheCrown@KissesDelavin https://t.co/K5aIlaM0Ge

— S ✨ (@exhaustedfan_) September 26, 2021

The most beautiful and Empowered women I know in the Universe is making her way on top to achieved her dream since she was young👑@KissesDelavin
KISSES StarOfUniverse #KissesForTheCrown https://t.co/X42ZtYVJbO

— 👸Mo Fei 👸 | K&DK 💋🍩💋7 (@mofei1234) September 26, 2021

Itinatangi ka namin, Miss Masbate- KIRSTEN DANIELLE DELAVIN. With or without the crown, you're a queen!@KissesDelavin #KISSESTinatangiByLPFE
KISSES StarOfUniverse #KissesForTheCrown#MissUniversePhilippines2021 pic.twitter.com/osvL6vnXTM

— KISSES ROYALTY 💋👑 (@KissesRoyalty) September 26, 2021

Nice one @KissesDelavin!!!! Proud!
KISSES StarOfUniverse @KissesDelavin #KissesForTheCrown#MissUniversePhilippines2021 pic.twitter.com/LKKqzZr1s0

— Chino Delavin (@chinodelavin) September 26, 2021

Judges' scores from the preliminary competition (interview, swimsuit and evening gown) will determine the Top 15. One candidate will be selected through Lazada fan vote, making the 16 semifinalists.

The grand coronation night will be on September 30 at the Henann Resort Convention Center in Panglao, Bohol. 

MisOr bet shines in MUPh 2021 preliminary interview

Chella Grace Falconer during the preliminary interview. Photo by Voltaire Tayag.

Chella Grace Falconer of Misamis Oriental is getting the attention of some pageant fans. She cemented her top ranking in the competition as she aced the preliminary interview streamed live on Friday, September 24 via KTX.

The 22-year old beauty wrote on Facebook, "Thank you Lord because you answered my prayer on this day. I remember saying the words to myself 'God is within me and i will not fall'. Thank you to everyone for believing in me."

The preliminary interview tested the wit and intelligence of the contestants and will determine who will make it in the Top 16.

Each delegate were asked five questions. Four of them came from MUPh Organization and one question from Lazada. The delegates had 30 seconds to answer each question until they hear the bell.

Here is the transcript of her preliminary Q&A round:

Question 1: What's the most important lesson you learned in the past week?

Chella Grace: "The most important lesson that I've learned in the past week is to always be ready, to always be prepared with what (to) happened in your life. I do think that there are may be so many struggles in our lives but it only take us to stand back up, to be the person that we've always wanted to be. To believe in ourselves and to always be ready for what is to come."

Question 2: If beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, in whose eyes are you beautiful?

Chella Grace: "I believe that I am beautiful in the eyes of God. He has loved us so much that He even gave up His only Son in order for us to be free, to be saved. I think that everyone is beautiful in the eyes of our Creator. I myself see beauty as not only something that is seen physically but it is what most people do not see. It's in the heart, it is in our soul and I believe that I am beautiful to Him."

Question 3: If we truly learn from our mistakes, would you advise a young person to keep making them?

Chella Grace: "I think it is ok to make mistakes, two mistakes or three, but when you keep repeating them, it is no longer mistake. It is a choice. I do think that we should not keep making mistakes. We should learn from them because when we learn from our mistakes, I do not think that we should be able to do it again because we learned a lesson. Once we do, we become a better individual."

Question 4: If you have the power to do ONE of the following: Eliminate poverty and hunger, A government with no graft & corruption or solve all environmental problems, which would you choose?

Chella Grace: "I would choose to eliminate corruption in our government because in that when we are able to uplift the poor, we are able to see what we can do for the marginalized sectors in our society. Once we do that, we are able to have leaders who can make a better world, who can make a better society for everyone. And I think that is one of the ways that we become a better world and we have something to look forward to. We become a beautiful nation."

Question 5: If you were to add cart one item to buy on Lazada to send to all Filipinas to help inspire them during this time, what would it be and why?

Chella Grace: "I choose my curler for I do think that it has been most essential in my journey and I felt really beautiful, I felt like a mermaid wearing my curls. I do think that if when I send it to every Filipina out there, they would feel beautiful. They would be confident in themselves because once you become confident in you, you treat people better. You become happier as an individual and you become someone you've always wanted to be. And that is someone I am now, I am phenomenal."

For the second part of preliminary competition, Miss Universe Philippines Organization will air the swimsuit and evening gown competition, September 26, at 7:00PM via KTX.

The grand coronation night will be on September 30 at the Henann Resort Convention Center in Panglao, Bohol.

TRANSCRIPT: Miss Marinduque Simone Nadine Bornilla's Preliminary Interview Performance

Screengrab: KTX.PH

The 28 official candidates of Miss Universe Philippines 2021 has survived one of the difficult parts of the competition, the preliminary Q&A round.

The preliminary interview was streamed live on Friday, September 24 on KTX.

This portion of the pageant tested the wit and intelligence of the contestants and will determine who will make it in the Top 16.

Each delegate were asked five questions. Four of them came from MUPh Organization and one question from Lazada. The delegates had 30 seconds to answer each question until they hear the bell.

One of the delegates who stood out in the competition is Nadine Bornilla of Marinduque.

She may be the youngest amongst all the candidates. But nevertheless, in her preliminary interview, her age didn’t show. Yes, she may be small and young and so is David to Goliath.

Will she be the David of this year’s Miss Universe Philippines? Buy your Digital Exclusive Access Pass at www.bit.ly/muph2021 to witness how she will strut the runway in her swimsuit and evening gown.

Here is the transcript of her preliminary interview:

Question 1: What's the most important lesson you learned in the past week?

Simone Nadine: "The most important lesson that I've learned from the past week is that life goes on, specially during this pandemic. It's really hard to think of it like that. But you know specially during with this pageant we've proven again and again from time to time that we Filipinos, we're very resilient people. If we are able to come or conquer natural calamities, what more this pandemic."

Question 2: If beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, in whose eyes are you beautiful?

Simone Nadine: "I think to my parents and that's the one thing that I'm the most proud of. Ever since I was younger they reminded me again and again that I am beautiful for them, and that was the only thing that I needed to keep my confidence up because growing I up I was a very insecure child."

Question 3: If we truly learn from our mistakes, would you advise a young person to keep making them?

Simone Nadine: "I think that as children we're reminded that we should learn from our mistakes. You know because of this we're not supposed to be given an excuse to keep making them. We should be reminded that these are things that we have to avoid because these values it's what we have to stick to."

Question 4: If you have the power to do ONE of the following: Eliminate poverty and hunger, A government with no graft & corruption or solve all environmental problems, which would you choose?

Simone Nadine: "I think I would rather solve the problem with the government because the government, they help us become productive in every other aspects within our community. That's why I think that's the problem that I would love to address above everything else."

Question 5: If you were to add cart one item to buy on Lazada to send to all Filipinas to help inspire them during this time, what would it be and why?

Simone Nadine: "As cliche as it may sound, I would love to add to cart a mirror. With the advancement of social media, oftentimes we forget who we are because we try to project this person, this ideal person. And so we forget our flaws and everything else. That's why with this mirror, we have to remind ourselves."

FULL TRANSCRIPT: Steffi Aberasturi's Preliminary Interview Performance

Screengrab: KTX.PH and Empire Philippines

The 28 official candidates of Miss Universe Philippines 2021 has survived one of the difficult parts of the competition, the preliminary Q&A round.

The preliminary interview was streamed live on Friday, September 24 on KTX.

This portion of the pageant tested the wit and intelligence of the contestants and will determine who will make it in the Top 16.

Each delegate were asked five questions. Four of them came from MUPh Organization and one question from Lazada. The delegates had 30 seconds to answer each question until they hear the bell.

One of the delegates who stood out in the competition is Cebu Province bet, Steffi Aberasturi.

Here is the full transcript of her Q&A performance:

Question 1: What's the most important lesson you learned in the past week?

Steffi: "...the importance of compassion. You have to be like passionate about the things you want in life. Being part of Miss Universe Philippines, I've realized that this is the thing I really passionate about and I want to be that bridge to connect to the people." 

Question 2: If beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, in whose eyes are you beautiful?

Steffi:"Probably in God and my family. For sure that my family is very proud of me for being here. For sure that they can say that I am beautiful in every way that I am."

Question 3: If we truly learn from our mistakes, would you advise a young person to keep making them?

Steffi:"For me there would always be challenges in our life. For me I advise them to keep trying and trying until they succeed in life. But I will never suggest you keep repeating that mistake but for them to learn from the past, learn from that mistake and for them to move on and better."

Question 4: If you have the power to do ONE of the following: Eliminate poverty and hunger, A government with no graft & corruption or solve all environmental problems, which would you choose?

Steffi:"For me I would go with the poverty. My heart really goes for these people and my heart feels for them. For me we should go with hand-in-hand, poverty should go with education. For me education is the key or the gateway to the universe and for us to have a better future in life."

Question 5: If you were to add cart one item to buy on Lazada to send to all Filipinas to help inspire them during this time, what would it be and why?

Steffi:"For me being a 'Queendera', I've been selling tons of clothes. And for me with clothes, I feel like a princess. I want that people like the ladies out there, women, to be empowered through wearing a beautiful dress for them to walk on stage and be confident in theirselves."

 

The grand coronation night will be on September 30 at the Henann Resort Convention Center in Panglao, Bohol.

FULL TRANSCRIPT: Maureen Wroblewitz's MUPH 2021 Preliminary Q&A Performance

Maureen Wroblewitz during the preliminary Q& round. Photo by Voltaire Tayag.

The 28 official candidates of Miss Universe Philippines 2021 has survived one of the difficult parts of the competition, the preliminary Q&A round.

The preliminary interview was streamed live on Friday, September 24 on KTX.

This portion of the pageant tested the wit and intelligence of the contestants and will determine who will make it in the Top 16.

Each delegate were asked five questions. Four of them came from MUPh Organization and one question from Lazada. The delegates had 30 seconds to answer each question until they hear the bell.

One of the delegates who stood out in the competition is Pangasinan's very own, Maureen Wroblewitz.

Here is the full transcript of her Q&A performance:

Question 1: What's the most important lesson you learned in the past week?

Maureen: "In the past week that everything happened for a reason and that we have experienced a lot of complications but we already know that that's part of what we are experiencing right now which is a pandemic. So we just need to stay positive and stay grateful for what is happening in our lives right now."

Question 2: If beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, in whose eyes are you beautiful?

Maureen: "In my own eyes. I think that's the most important, to be beautiful when you look at yourself in the mirror. And that's why I have learned the importance of self-love and through self-love I have learned to embrace every part of me, good or bad. And that is what I have learned is the most important thing."

Question 3: If we truly learn from our mistakes, would you advise a young person to keep making them?

Maureen: "Well you should still try to achieve the best and still strive to be the best version of yourself, but you just need to recognize that mistakes are part of success and that you need to learn from your mistakes so you can do better the next time."

Question 4: If you have the power to do ONE of the following: Eliminate poverty and hunger, A government with no graft & corruption or solve all environmental problems, which would you choose?

Maureen: "I will choose the government without corruption because if we don't have corruption we would also not see the poverty. We would see government that takes care of its people. We would see a government who prioritize the safety, the healthcare and then of course our environment which is all very important."

Question 5: If you were to add cart one item to buy on Lazada to send to all Filipinas to help inspire them during this time, what would it be and why?

Maureen: "I would say to go with the motivational card or motivational book with some quotes because I think we all need a little bit of positivity everyday. It will definitely help us get through the worst times."

The grand coronation night will be on September 30 at the Henann Resort Convention Center in Panglao, Bohol.