The Miss Universe Philippines 2024 pageant is shaping up to be an extraordinary competition, attracting an impressive lineup of contestants with extensive experience on international stages. This year’s event, held at the grand ballroom of Hilton Manila, showcased 55 aspirants, including former national titleholders and international pageant veterans, all vying for the prestigious crown.
Notably, Ahtisa Manalo, the 2018 Miss International first runner-up, is representing Quezon Province. Manalo has been a favorite among Filipino pageant enthusiasts, eagerly anticipated to join the competition. Christi McGarry, appointed for Taguig City, brings her experience as the 2015 Miss Intercontinental first runner-up, a contestant whom 2015 Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach has expressed interest in seeing compete again.
The lineup also includes Kris Tiffany Janson from Cebu, who placed third in the 2014 Miss Intercontinental, and Cyrille Payumo of Pampanga, the 2019 Miss Tourism International winner. Alexie Mae Brooks, representing Iloilo City, adds to the roster with her background in international sports competitions as part of the Philippine national team in the Southeast Asian Games.
Other notable contestants include Victoria Velasquez Vincent for Bacoor, Cavite, a former Miss Universe Philippines Charity, and Stacey Gabriel for Cainta, Rizal, a 2022 Bb. Pilipinas second runner-up. Adding diversity to the competition is Selena Antonio Reyes from Pasig City, the only married contestant this year, showcasing that beauty and talent know no age or marital status boundaries.
The Miss Universe Philippines 2024 pageant seeks a successor to Michelle Dee, the highly acclaimed winner of the previous year, who left a significant mark in the 2023 Miss Universe pageant by achieving multiple accolades. The competition is intense, with contestants bringing a wealth of experience and achievements, promising an exciting event as they vie for a chance to join the ranks of the Philippines’ four Miss Universe winners: Gloria Diaz, Margie Moran, Pia Wurtzbach, and Catriona Gray.