Beauty pageants have long been associated with glamour, but the BingoPlus Grand Media Event for Miss Universe Philippines candidates showed that today’s beauty queens are moving beyond traditional expectations.
No longer just about striking poses in evening gowns, this year’s batch of candidates is redefining what it means to wear a crown—leveraging their platforms to advocate for social issues, stand firm in their beliefs, and champion causes that matter.
From political awareness to women’s health, and education reform, the event revealed that the next Miss Universe Philippines won’t just be a symbol of beauty, she will be a force for change.
For decades, pageantry has often encouraged contestants to remain neutral on polarizing topics. But for Iloilo’s Karen Nicole Piccio, that is no longer the case.
“I feel like us beauty queens are often taught to stay neutral because it’s always the safer route to take,” Piccio said. “I feel like life is too short to do that. I feel like we have this powerful voice in order to influence people for the better, for the good. For me, I often take a chance. That’s what I do.”
Her sentiment echoes a growing movement within the pageant scene, a kind that values authenticity over diplomacy.
Fellow candidate Ahtisa Manalo of Quezon agrees, saying that beauty queens should be seen as individuals with their own perspectives, not just figureheads for the industry.
“I think it really depends on the situation,” Manalo said. “And most of the time, I believe that us women, not just beauty queens, should be able to speak our minds and should be able to say our stance on certain issues because we’re not, as beauty queens, just beautiful faces—we’re also living, thinking individuals.”
Their confidence in speaking out reflects how modern beauty pageants have evolved. What was once a competition based solely on grace and poise is now an advocacy-driven platform where intelligence and conviction hold just as much weight as elegance.
Advocacies that matter
Many of the contenders at the BingoPlus event shared personal stories that shaped their advocacy.
Teresita Ssen Marquez of Muntinlupa City opened up about her battle with endometrioma, a condition that made doctors doubt she could conceive.
“I’ve been through endometrioma, and I was told that it was going to be difficult for me to bear a child,” Marquez shared. “And I know that a lot of young women are going through PCOS as well. The changes in their bodies are, you know, very difficult. And I just want to spread awareness that there are clinics that are ready to educate young women about it because I know how intimidating and scary that is. There are ready resources, affordable resources.”
Similarly, Rechel Hoco of Oriental Mindoro drew from her own childhood struggles with education.
“When I was a kid, I experienced a lot of things when it comes to education,” Hoco said. “I experienced going to school, and there’s nothing there. There’s no food or even money in my pocket. But my mom, she always made me realize that education is something that I need for me to be able to get the things that I want in the future.”
Their stories serve as reminders that pageantry is no longer just a showcase of beauty, it’s a launchpad for social impact.
Breaking stereotypes
Inclusivity in beauty pageants has long been a topic of discussion, and Chanel Olive of Nueva Ecija is challenging one of its oldest norms—the issue of age.
As the eldest candidate in this year’s competition, she refuses to let the industry’s unspoken age bias dictate her worth.
“I actually took a stand kahapon because I am the oldest contestant,” Olive said.
“And there’s nothing wrong with that because this universe accepts me, so why not everyone else, right? I honestly believe that anyone can dream, anyone can flourish at any stage of life.”
Beyond age, modern pageantry is also welcoming candidates from diverse professional backgrounds.
Cebu City’s Gabriella Carballo, a doctor of medicine, shared how her experience in healthcare has given her a new perspective on what it means to lead.
“I’ve seen people’s struggles at the very end of their life,” Carballo said. “I’ve had to deal with people losing loved ones. And so one thing that has made me develop is both perseverance and a genuine heart for our people.”
“And so I hope that the Filipinos can trust that my heart is in the right place, and therefore every step that I move forward is from that same place,” she continued.
From medical professionals to engineers, modern beauty queens bring more than just poise to the table—they bring expertise, lived experiences, and a drive that dares to make a difference.
Pageantry from here on out
With pageants shifting away from traditional expectations, it’s clear that Miss Universe Philippines is embracing an era of inclusivity and substance.
Yllana Aduana of Siniloan, Laguna summed it up best by saying, “The crown is more than just the gems that are in it.”
“It extends to responsibilities that the beauty queen has to wear up to.”
This year’s Miss Universe Philippines candidates aren’t just vying for a title, they’re redefining what it means to be a queen.