TRANSCRIPT: Miss Universe Philippines 2025 Top 6 Q&A

Find more Miss Universe Philippines 2025 updates here!

(from left) Chelsea Fernandez of Sultan Kudarat, Yllana Marie Aduana of Siniloan, Laguna, and Gabriella Mai Carballo of Cebu City. Image: Instagram/@themissuniverseph

The question-and-answer (Q&A) portion of the Miss Universe Philippines 2025 coronation, held on Friday, May 2, at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) in Pasay City, was the defining moment for the six finalists, highlighting not just their poise and confidence but also their intellect and social awareness as they expressed their thoughts on topics including national elections, leadership, and personal setbacks. Here is a look at the full Q&A transcript.

Ahtisa Manalo of Quezon Province – Miss Universe Philippines 2025

Question: They say that a good leader leads by example. Tell us about one event in your life when you led by example and the impact it made.

Answer: I fell a while ago on stage. And the thing with me is, whenever I fall in life, I always make sure I come back stronger. Last year, I was here on this stage. And for the second time this year, I’m here putting everything on the stage to be Miss Universe Philippines, because this is my and my grandmother’s shared dream. And she passed away early this year. And this is my ode to her.

Winwyn Marquez of Muntilupa – Miss Universe Philippines 2025 first runner-up

Question: On May 12, 2025, our general elections will be held and we will be choosing our leaders. In your opinion, what is the most essential quality that we should look for in leaders? Why?

Answer: We should look for someone who has integrity. Someone who puts people’s welfare first before their own political wants and own needs. We should have a leader that is not politics as usual, but someone who will always put other people’s wants and needs.

Yllana Marie Aduana of Siniloan, Laguna – Miss Universe Philippines 2025 second runner-up

Question: If you were to be the governor or the mayor of the local government you are representing now, what would be the single most significant project that you would wish to accomplish and why? 

Answer: I’ve always known myself to be a committed advocate of education. And I would definitely promote education empowerment across all genders in our municipality. Because we all understand that education is the key to open multiple doors of opportunities. The power that no one can ever take away from us. And the solution to feel more empowered and transformed.

Chelsea Fernandez of Sultan Kudarat, The Miss Philippines-Cosmo 2025

Question: The national elections are in a week’s time. Our national hero José Rizal wrote that the youth is the hope of the fatherland. How can our young people play an important role in our elections?

Answer: In our generation, youth has a strong personality. They have the power to choose and vote for the right leaders. That’s why tonight, I would like to encourage our youth to be wise and select our leaders. Because when we are very wise about this, we can reach the tip of the universe. And the Philippines would definitely be progressive and productive as well.

Ma. Katrina Llegado of Taguig, The Miss Philippines-Supranational

Question: Women in Philippine politics are still a minority. How will you help empower women and encourage them to participate in politics?

Answer: Women today deserve a seat at a table. This time, we are at par with men. We are trailblazers, we are leaders, and I think women are definitely a power, a force in the universe.

Gabriella Mai Carballo of Cebu City, The Miss Philippines-Eco International

Question: Just like our public officials, a beauty queen is a public figure whose life is under constant scrutiny. As a beauty queen, how do you maintain your authenticity amidst the expectations of the public? 

Answer: As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned that the most important thing is the posture of your heart. You have to ask yourself, am I putting out the best version of myself into the world? And is that something that is helping other people? I don’t think there’s a reason that we have to live on this earth if we’re not impacting people positively. And so I hope all of us can move forward, take people next to us, and move to a better place in our society, because as Filipinos, we can place love above all.