Reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig. Image: Facebook
For the fourth year in a row, a reigning Miss Universe will visit the Philippines as 2024 winner Victoria Kjær Theilvig is set to arrive in Manila today, March 25.
The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) announced on social media at past midnight, Philippine Standard time, the date of her arrival.
“Where warm hearts meet beautiful islands, and memories are made. Philippines, are you ready? [Philippine flag emoji]” the international pageant posted, accompanied by an image of the reigning queen with the country’s flag as background.
Her three immediate predecessors also visited the Philippines during their respective reigns, the first one being 2021 winner Harnaaz Sandhu of India, who came for the 2022 Miss Universe Philippines pageant, which was hosted by former Miss Universe titleholders Pia Wurtzbach, Iris Mittenaere and Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters.
In 2022, Sandhu’s successor R’Bonney Gabriel from the United States was on hand to crown Michelle Marquez Dee as MUPH winner. South African beauty Zozibini Tunzi, who won the international title in 2019, served as host during the coronation show.
And while 2023 Miss Universe Sheynnis Palacios did not attend the national pageant’s coronation show last year, the Nicaraguan beauty came to the Philippines in the runup to the finale, and was warmly received. Her visit also earned for the country a citation as “Best Host Tour Country” from the international organization.
Details of Theilvig’s visit have not been released as of this writing, but the first Danish Miss Universe winner will be in the Philippines until March 30, according to the announcement.
It has not been disclosed if Theilvig will return to Manila for the 2025 Miss Universe Philippines coronation show, scheduled on May 2 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The winner will represent the Philippines in the 74th Miss Universe pageant in Thailand in November, where Theilvig is set to relinquish her crown to her successor.