The much-anticipated puksaan edition of Miss Universe Philippines 2025 has officially begun.
A total of 69 candidates have been introduced as official contenders for this year’s competition.
On Saturday, February 15, 2025, the long-awaited press presentation took place, where pageant fans finally got to see this year’s lineup.
This year’s batch includes a mix of fresh faces and seasoned beauty queens—some of whom are returning to the competition, hoping to clinch the Miss Universe Philippines 2025 crown and represent the country on the international Miss Universe stage.
Ma. Ahtisa Manalo – Quezon Province
One of the pageant veterans making a comeback is Ma. Ahtisa Manalo, representing Quezon Province.
Ahtisa is the reigning Miss Philippines Cosmo 2024 and was previously crowned Binibining Pilipinas-International 2018.
She also achieved first runner-up in Miss International 2018, competing alongside Catriona Gray, who won Miss Universe 2018.
Winwyn Marquez – Muntinlupa City
Another highly anticipated returnee is Winwyn Marquez, representing Muntinlupa City.
Like Ahtisa, Winwyn is no stranger to the pageant scene.
She made history as the first-ever Reina Hispanoamericana winner from the Philippines, securing the title in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, after winning Miss World Philippines 2017.
Before this international victory, Winwyn competed in Binibining Pilipinas 2015, where she fell short of the Miss Universe Philippines title, which Pia Wurtzbach won.
Yllana Marie Aduana – Siniloan, Laguna
A fan favorite among pageant enthusiasts, Yllana Marie Aduana represents Siniloan, Laguna.
She was crowned Miss Earth Air 2023 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on December 22, 2023.
Chelsea Fernandez – Sultan Kudarat
Another returning candidate is Chelsea Fernandez from Sultan Kudarat.
Chelsea is a seasoned pageant competitor, having won multiple titles.
She was crowned Miss Philippines Earth-Water 2018, followed by Miss Bikini Philippines 2020, and later won Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2022.
Ma. Katrina Llegado – Taguig City
Ma. Katrina Llegado of Taguig City also vies for the Miss Universe Philippines 2025 title.
She represented the Philippines in Reina Hispanoamericana 2019, where she finished as fifth runner-up.
Ariella Arida Named National Director of Miss Universe Philippines
Aside from the official introduction of the 69 candidates, the Miss Universe Philippines Organization also revealed its new national director during the press presentation.
Taking on the role is Ariella Arida, Miss Universe 2013 third runner-up.
She replaces Shamcey Supsup, who previously held the position and was also the third runner-up for the Miss Universe 2011.