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 providing the biggest platform for the Filipina to be seen and heard. The activities and events were created to highlight the delegates’ most authentic self 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 are sure to inspire the youth, their provinces, communities and towns. 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, of hope, of 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. The #HerStory videos can be viewed on the Empire Philippines Youtube channel.

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The events and activities were thoughtfully arranged in order to guide the delegates’ growth during their pageant journey. The Personality Interviews were first on the schedule. Breaking
the stereotypical pant suit worn at pageant interviews, the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 delegates wore comfortable active wear from Constant/Cavaso Philippines. Their Personality
Interviews can be viewed on the Empire Philippines Youtube channel. Follow this link:
https://www.youtube.com/@empirephilippines1378/videos

The level of expectations from being part of the 38 Official MUPh Delegates are tremendous. As such, the MUPh deemed it necessary to equip the 38 delegates with all the knowledge and tools necessary to be an effective role model. The entire month of March was dedicated to their Glam Pageant Training, Holistic Seminars, and Advocacy Orientation which prepared them for their April 11 Press Presentation and subsequent pageant competition.

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 active wear by Lento/Cavaso during their runway trainings.

In addition to this, 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 on 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 chose 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. These videos and corresponding cover shoots will be released 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 the awareness on the significance of having financial literacy as a crucial part of ones successes. 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.

On March 30, a Media Training Talk was conducted by MUPh Director of Communications, Voltaire Tayag wherein 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, their 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 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 an 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.”

Miss Universe Philippines did not hold any activity from April 1-9, 2023 giving the delegates time to properly observe the Holy Week. The combination of the month long trainings, seminars, events, shoots and the more than week-long rest should more than prepare the delegates for the final stretch of their MUPh journey. Upon their return on April 11, the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Press Presentation will be held in Marquis Events Place. The Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Finals Night will be on May 13, 2023 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Guest performer will include Nam Woo Hyun who will be the first ever major Kpop artist to perform on the Miss Universe Philippines stage. Tickets went on sale last April 2, 2023.