(From left) Krishnah Gravidez, Michelle Dee, Pauline Amelinckx. Images: Screengrabs from YouTube/Empire Philippines, Instagram/@markbumgarner
Being crowned as Miss Universe Philippines 2023 is more than being seen as the complete package; the successor to reigning titleholder Celeste Cortesi must carry the torch of the Miss Universe Organization’s (MUO) brand of transformational leadership as she is set to represent the country in El Salvador.
With that said, the fight for the coveted crown has become more intense as 38 candidates faced off in the interview, swimsuit, and evening gown preliminary competitions on Wednesday, May 10.
Delegates coming from different parts of the Philippines showed off their eloquence, grace, and pose during the various preliminary rounds, which were broadcasted live on Empire Philippines’ official YouTube channel.
The first part of the pageant’s preliminary is the interview where the candidates’ communication skills and ability to think fast on their feet were tested.
Among the questions asked during the interview were brief introductions to their personalities apart from the competition, qualifications of an influential leader, balancing cultural and traditional values with modern society, and promoting the Philippines on a global stage.
Then, the candidates flaunted their slim physiques and pasarelas during the swimsuit preliminaries, where they interestingly donned floral-printed swimsuits and a sash in similar patterns.
LOOK: The Miss Universe Philippines preliminary competition kicks off with the 38 candidates introducing themselves to the audience. | @HMallorcaINQ pic.twitter.com/Ct2kH35Di4
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) May 10, 2023
Probably, the most-awaited part of the preliminaries among some pageant fans is the evening gown portion, where the candidates wore evening gowns created by local designers.
LOOK: The second batch of candidates didn’t hold back from showing off their elegant sides during the Miss Universe Philippines evening gown preliminaries. | 📸: Empire PH/YouTube via @HMallorcaINQ pic.twitter.com/m6DSK5SRZu
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) May 10, 2023
The preliminaries came after a string of special challenges assigned to the candidates including the swimsuit, photoshoot, interview, and runway.
Cortesi is set to pass her crown to her successor on the pageant’s coronation night on Saturday, May 13, where Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel is included as one of the special guests. EDV