The Miss Universe Philippines Organization’s commitment to elevating the Philippine pageantry remains strong. Its growth is largely fueled by past learnings and the ability to hold events in a post-pandemic environment. The MUPh Organization prides itself in its ability to adapt and evolve with the times while continuing to provide the biggest platform for the Filipinas to be seen and heard. The activities and events were created to highlight the delegates’ most authentic selves and prepare them to be at their very best when the competition kicks into high gear.
MUPh chose 38 phenomenal Filipinas from all over the country with unique stories that will surely inspire the youth and the communities. MUPh has always promoted Philippine tourism through the delegates’ tourism videos. This year, the delegates created visually stunning videos that narrate their stories of resilience, hope, strength, and courage set with the beautiful backdrop of their hometowns. Far too often, pageant delegates are encouraged to speak mainly about advocacies. This gives people a chance to get to know the delegates for who they really are. Watch the #HerStory videos on the Empire Philippines YouTube channel.
The events and activities were thoughtfully arranged in order to guide the delegates’ growth during their pageant journey. The Miss Universe Philippines 2023 delegates went through a Personality Interview wearing comfortable activewear from Constant/Cavaso Philippines.
The expectations from the 38 Official MUPh Delegates are pretty high. And to prepare them for the press presentation on April 11 in Okada Manila, rigorous events, and competitions leading to the most awaited pageant night, MUPh Organization dedicated the entire month of March to the delegates’ Glam Pageant Training, Holistic Seminars, and Advocacy Orientation.
Glam Pageant Training Events
For a couple of weeks, the 38 delegates underwent runway training with MUPh Creative Director, Jonas Gaffud. When asked why there was a need for this, he replied, “Not all the delegates have training camps, some are newbies and even some of the veterans can still improve. At the end of the day, we want all of them to look great and perform really well during the Preliminaries and the Finals.” The delegates all wore chic activewear by Lento/Cavaso during their runway training.
In addition, the delegates attended the NIX Workshop conducted by Nix Soriano where they learned how to do and improve their make-up skills. The Marqed Salon Workshop led by Mark Rosales taught the delegates the basics of haircare and hairstyling.
Holistic Training Events
This year, the MUPh pageant introduced the Round Table Discussion that divided the delegates into various topics such as Moms in MUPh, Pageant Newbies, Pageant Veterans, Breadwinners, LGBT & allies, etc. Each delegate was asked to choose which topic she wanted to be a part of. This aspect of the pageant enhances the delegates’ ability not just to answer in a Q&A format but engage in a meaningful conversation with fellow queens. Watch out for these videos on the Empire Philippines YouTube Channel.
On March 21, the MUPh delegates attended the “Usapang Pera” Seminar by Vince Rapisura (Social Entrepreneur). Financial literacy is often a forgotten topic of importance when it comes to the pageant industry. Exposing the delegates and creating awareness of the significance of having financial literacy as a crucial part of one’s success. Empowering women not just by giving them a platform to voice out their beliefs but also empowering them to take charge and responsibility for their finances was very important.
A Media Training Talk was conducted by MUPh Director of Communications Voltaire Tayag on March 30, Â where he tackled the importance of preparation and practice on being media savvy and interview ready. He also emphasized the need to discover, define and concretize their dreams, purpose, and goals. Former tennis player, sports reporter, and ABS-CBN Miss Universe correspondent Dyan Castillejo graciously shared her stories about her colorful Miss Universe pageant coverage all these years, tips on preparing for competition and media interviews, and her favorite Bible verses that can help the delegates to focus and be grounded.
Advocacy Orientation
One of the most important aspects of becoming a Miss Universe Philippines is championing its main advocacy through Save the Children Philippines. Whether future queens or as Filipino citizens, the delegates were given an orientation about it by Katarina Rodriguez, STCP Ambassador, and Alessandra Alberto, STCP Corporate Partnership Coordinator. During the event, reigning MUPh 2022 Celeste Cortesi and MUPh Director of Women Empowerment & Charities share their experiences in working with STCP in Marawi and Samar. MUPh National Director, Shamcey Supsup Lee also graced the event to offer words of advice to the delegates on how to be a professional and authentic queen who has a purpose beyond winning the crown.
This year, MUPh also supports the Autism Society Philippines which is a national non-profit dedicated to the well-being of Filipinos who live on the autism spectrum and the people who care for them. In line with this, it was essential to have Autism Sensitivity Training for all the delegates and MUPh staff. This was conducted by no less than Erlinda “Dang” Uy Doe, Chair Emeritus of ASP. “We envision a society where Filipinos on the spectrum become the best of their potentials — self-reliant, independent, productive, socially-accepted citizens of an Autism-OK Philippines.”
The Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Finals Night will be on May 13, 2023, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The list of Guest performers includes Nam Woo Hyun, who will be the first-ever major K-Pop artist to perform on the Miss Universe Philippines stage. Tickets go on sale on April 2, 2023.
