Miss Universe Philippines 2024 is the fifth edition of the Miss Universe Philippines pageant under Empire Philippines Holdings, Inc with Shamcey Supsup-Lee as the National Director. Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee of Makati will crown her successor at the end of the event. In the 72nd edition Miss Universe 2023 held in El Salvador, Michelle Dee placed in Top 10 and won many special awards including Spirit of Carnival Award, Voice for Change Winner, Fan Vote Winner, and Best in National Costume.
Selection of Participants
Some changes in the selection of candidates were announced on 11 April 2023 in a press presentation for Miss Universe Philippines held at the Marquis Events Hall in Taguig. The Accredited Partners Program was introduced in this event where various accredited partners from different towns and cities will be granted franchise to conduct their local Miss Universe Philippines pageant. The winner of the local competition will automatically be a candidate for Miss Universe Philippines.
Additionally, in September 2023, at the height of the Tanner Fletcher show at New York Fashion Week, Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel announced that the Miss Universe Organization had decided to remove the age restriction for candidates aged 18 and over as of 73rd edition of Miss Universe. Because of this, candidates aged 18 and above can also participate in Miss Universe Philippines.
For the first time, the Miss Filipina International Organization partnered with the Miss Universe Philippines Organization to send three of their candidates to this edition. Matea Mahal Smith was named Miss Filipina International who will participate in Miss Universe Philippines along with Miss Filipina International Tourism 2023 Amanda Russo and Lauren Skeoch will represent Delaware and Sacramento respectively .
Here are the confirmed 40 delegates for Miss Universe Philippines 2024
Albay – Elaine Bernales
Australia – Kymberlee Street
Bacolod – Yvonne Catamco
Bacoor – Victoria Velasquez Vincent
Baguio – Tarah Valencia
Batangas – Mariztella Lat
Bohol – Bianca Gaviola
Bukidnon – Natasha Bajuyo
Cagayan de Oro – Lynn Eirene Lomongo
Cainta, Rizal – Stacey Gabriel
Camiguin – Rethiana Rosa
Cebu – Kris Tiffany Janson
Delaware – Amanda Russo
Florida – Matea Smith
Iloilo – Alexie Brooks
Kananga – Natasha Jung
Leyte – Angel Tambal
Lucban – Rikki Dela Peña
Misamis Oriental – Kristine Sarsalejo
Naic – Mary Rose Guiral
Northern California – Kayla Carter
Occidental Mindoro – Zoleil Taño
Palawan – Raven Doctor
Pampanga – Cyrille Payumo
Quezon Province – Ahtisa Manalo
Quezon City – Lorraine Ojimba
Sacramento California – Lauren Skeoch
Siargao – Joshell De Ocampo
Southern California – Janet Hammond
Tacloban – Tamara Ocier
Taguig – Christi McGarry
Toledo – Kim Irish Placibe
Tuguegarao – Zhyra Cabalza
United Kingdom – Christina Chalk
Provincial Winners
Miss Bacolod Yvonna Catamco
Yvonna Catamco was hailed Miss Bacolod MassKara 2023, making her the official representative from the city for the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 pageant.
Miss Bacoor Victoria Velasquez Vincent, 28 years old.
Victoria is of Irish-Filipino heritage; her father is Irish while her Filipino mother Josephine Martinez Velasquez Vincent is from Bacoor. In 2020, Victoria earned a double master’s degrees in architecture and heritage conservation from the University of Auckland.
Not new to the pageant world, Victoria represented Cavite at Miss Universe Philippines 2021 where she placed third and was crowned Miss Universe Philippines Charity 2021. The 28-year-old beauty queen will now prepare to impress the jury with her experience, dedication and sincerity at the national stage.
Miss Baguio Janah Rhyl Lumidao
Age: 18 Hometown: Hingyon
At just 18 years old, she is currently pursuing her dreams with a Bachelor of Science in Tourism at the University of Baguio, where she’s in her first year. Notably, this talented young lady has achieved another remarkable feat, being crowned Miss Lafayette. She loves to participate in community activities and playing volleyball. She is also the former Miss Ifugao 2021 and a taekwondo champion.
Miss Batanagas Mariztella Lat
Mariztella Lat is the delegate from Batangas Province. “I will always use my heart in everything, every step of the way. The universe needs to know that we are barakos with a heart,” she said.
Miss Bukidnon Natasha Jane Bajuyo
Age: 21 Hometown: Valencia
She is a student of Bachelor of Science in Biology at Central Mindanao University. “What’s meant for you will always come back to find you,” is a phrase I encountered in my journey as Binibining Valencia. It made me think and realize how hard it was to find peace in all of the chaos. But despite everything, I will always find the beauty in having the heart of a Golden Valenciana.
My deepest and sincerest gratitude to LGU Valencia City headed by Mayor Azucena Huervas, the 9th Sangguniang Panglungsod Members headed by Vice Mayor Atty. Ted Pepito, Valencia City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Division, Councilor Cecile Mabao-Caballero, and Tourism Officer Ma’am Raiza Maicah Layos for entrusting me with the heavy responsibility of being a Binibining Valencia City.
Miss Camiguin Rethy Rosa
Age: 20 Hometown: Mambajao
Rethy Rosa was crowned Mutya sa Buahanan 2023 during last night’s grand coronation at the New Camiguin Gymnasium. She will represent Camiguin in the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Beauty Pageant. A student and Advertising Executive by profession, she enjoys reading Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling and her passion includes Music, public service, public speaking, writing, creativity, cooking. She had previously participated in Miss Manila 2023 where she won Miss Riverpark Centrallis special award.
Miss Cagayan de Oro Lynn Eirene Lomongo Iponan
She is the delegate of Cagayan de Oro.
Miss Cebu Kris Tiffany Janson
The 34-year-old model edged out 19 other contestants to win the regional competition. She will now prepare to represent Cebu at Miss Universe Philippines 2024. Apart from winning her title, she also bagged several coroporate and major awards such as Miss Oro Galleria, Miss Myra Standout Beauty, Miss Esteem Medica, Best in Evening Gown, and Miss K & L Philippines.
No stranger to pageantry, Kris was a winner of Miss Cebu 2009 before competing in Binibinibing Pilipinas 2014 where she won Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental 2014. She participated Miss Intercontinental 2014 in Germany and placed second runner-up.
Miss Iloilo City Alexie Mae Brooks, 23 years old.
The 22-year-old athlete and model hailing from Leon also bagged Best in Swimsuit and several corporate awards. She is now expected to represent Iloilo City at the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 pageant. The Miss Iloilo 2024 competition was one of the highlights of this year’s Dinagyang Festival, an annual religious and cultural festival in Iloilo City, Philippines.
Miss Leyte Angel Rose Tambal
Age: 24 Hometown: La Paz
A 24-year-old civil engineer from the municipality of La Paz, this province, was crowned as the first Miss Universe Philippines-Leyte on Wednesday, 18 October 2023. Tambal also bagged two major awards – Best in Swimwear and Best in Evening Gown. Tambal advocates empowerment of the community through sustainable tourism which she plans to bring to the Miss Universe Philippines Organization. She is the reigning Miss DPWH-8 and was crowned Binibining La Paz Viajedores in 2018.
Miss Palawan Raven Doctor
Age: 18 Hometown: Puerto Princesa
Miss Pampanga Cyrille Payumo, 26 years old
The 26-year-old fashion model from Porac bested 14 other competitors to win the beauty title. She also bagged the Best in Long Gown, Miss Photogenic, and Miss Luxe Slim awards. Andra Ting of the Municipality of San Fernando clinched the title The Miss Philippines Pampanga 2024 and will go to the next edition of The Miss Philippines pageant.
In Puerto Prinsesa, student Raven Doctor was crowned Miss Palawan Universe, besting 14 beauties representing several municipalities of Palawan. The stunning 5-foot-11 beauty studying at Palawan State University is an advocate for support of children in poor communities. The dusky beauty aced her final question and answer regarding the most important aspect of pageantry with the simple answer: “Treating others right and carrying the crown with responsibility.” Sheadvocates mental and physical health.
Miss Quezon City Lorraine Ojimba
The 25-year-old Filipina-Nigerian model will now prepare to represent the “City of Stars” in the upcoming Miss Universe Philippines 2024 pageant. Aside from winning the crown, she also bagged Miss Kemans QC, Miss Bragais, Best in Swimsuit, Best in Evening Gown, and Light of Representation awards.
Miss Quezon Province Ahtisa Manalo, 26 years old.
The 26-year-old beauty will now represent Quezon Province in the upcoming Miss Universe Philippines 2024 competition. No stranger to pageantry, Ahtisa joined Binibinig Pilipinas 2018 where she clinched the Binibining Pilipinas International (Miss International Philippines) title. She went on to compete in Miss International 2018 which was held in Tokyo, Japan, and finished as first runner-up to Venezuela’s Mariem Velazco.
Miss Taguig Christi McGarry, 33 years old.
Christi McGarry has been appointed as Taguig’s representative for this year’s Miss Universe Philippines pageant! The Miss Intercontinental 2015 1st runner-up revealed the exciting news on Tuesday, sharing photos of herself wearing the city’s sash. Christi has represented the Philippines in Miss Intercontinental in 2015 and was named first runner-up.
Miss Toledo Kim Irish Placibe
Age: TBA Hometown: Daanglungsod
Binibining Toledo Beauty Pageant was held last June 9 and crowning the first Official Delegate for Miss Universe Philippines 2024 went to Kim Irish Placibe. She studied at Consolatrix College of Toledo City and now works as a digital creator and a fashion model.
Miss Tuguegarao Zhyra Mae Cabalza
Age: TBA Hometown: Capatan
Barangay Capatan’s bet Zhyra Mae T. Cabalza outshined 20 other beauties during the grand coronation held at Cagayan Sports Colliseum on Tuesday, August 15, 2023. Aside from winning the coveted crown, Cabalza likewise got awards such as Best in Creative Costume, Best in Festival Costume, Best in Swimsuit, and Miss Robinson Tuguegarao Choice Award. She was further given a prize of 200 sqm lot located in Sta. Maria, Isabela. Her winning answer:
“In a world full of chaos, I think it is now time to be more open to inclusivity and diversity. [Allowing] transgender women to join this pageant is a big stepping stone towards a new platform. I believe that women is not just about biological factors but it is also about your heart to serve the people.”
“It is how we can make a positive impact towards the community, and I believe that all women regardless of their gender, as long as they have their vision and as long as they have their mission that sparks an action, then they can make [an impact],” she added.
Overseas Delegates (Outside the Philippines)
Miss Australia Kymberlee Street
Age: 26 Hometown: Sydney
Miss Australia Kymberlee Street is an entrepreneur by profession. She is the founder of Defence Skincare, a botanical cosmeceutical range and Model Street, a place to prepare, protect and empower aspiring women. Not new to the pageantry, Kymberlee competed in Miss Cosmopolitan World 2019 and placed in Top 12 and placed in the Top 10 at Miss Universe Australia 2022.
On being crowned as the next official representative of Filipino community in Philippines, Street took to her official social media as she wrote, “Thrilled and honored to embark on an exciting chapter as I prepare to compete for the title of Miss Universe Philippines! Thank you to Ate and Kuya for this amazing opportunity, and of course my family and friends who have always encouraged me to chase my dreams and make it reality.” “I’m ready to embrace the challenges, soak in every learning opportunity, and grow into the authentic, empowered woman I aspire to be. Miss Universe Philippines is more than a pageant, it’s my platform to make a difference, leaving a legacy that transcends the crown. With an open heart and a spirit ready for anything, I am so excited for the adventure ahead. Every moment is a chance to learn, grow, and create memories that will last a lifetime”, she added.
Miss Delaware Amanda Russo
Age: 18 Hometown: Christiana
Amanda Russo, born in Christiana, Delaware with family roots in Angeles City, Pampanga, bagged the Miss Filipina International Tourism title. The 18-year-old Finance and International Business student at Penn State University also considers her mom as her biggest inspiration. She wants to give back to the Filipino community and find ways to better the lives of elders.
Miss Florida Matea Mahal Smith
Age: 21 Hometown: Coral Springs
Born in Coral Springs, Florida with family roots in Pililla, Rizal, Philippines, the 21-year-old beauty is of Filipino and Black descent, a first in the 10-year history of the pageant. She was crowned Miss Filipina International by Michelle Dee in a coronation event. A student of Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Florida, Smith hopes to become a trauma surgeon and positively impact people’s lives.
When asked in the final question and answer portion what she learned from her mother or grandmother, she replied that her Filipino mother taught her to be true to herself. Smith added that she admires her mother who taught her that no matter what life throws her way, obstacles are a temporary challenge, not an end, in her journey. The very supportive parents of Smith and her brother were also present during the coronation night.
Miss North California Kayla Jean Rabaya Carter
Age: 26 Hometown: Los Angeles
Kayla is a Fil-Am who represents Northern California and has strong familial root in Talisay, Cebu. Her heart lives and belongs with the youth in the Philippines. She firmly believes that every Filipino should have an opportunity to pursue an education and would like to further shed light on the communities that have limited access to schooling.
Kayla hopes to be a beacon of example to inspire the youth to continue to dream big and to remind them that anything is possible. Furthermore, she would love to prove to the universe that “you are only as beautiful as you are kind” and as women we are so much more than the outer shell. We are intelligent, resilient beings, that have the power to paint the future.
Miss Sacramento Lauren Skeoch
Age: 26 Hometown: Sacramento
She was first runner-up at Miss Filipina International 2024 held at the Beverly Hills Hilton in 5 August 2023.
Miss Southern California Janet Lyn Hammond
Age: 25 Hometown: Los Angeles
Janet Lyn Hammond was the winner of Miss Philippines USA 2018 Pageant was held at the Alex Theater in Glendale, California, United States. Janet is the younger sister of our Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental 2016 Jennifer Hammond.
Miss Tacloban – Tamara Ocier
The 23-year-old bested 13 other contestants to win the title. She also bagged the Miss Kotex, Miss RD Pawnshop, and Best in Swimwear awards. She will now prepare to represent Tacloban in the upcoming Miss Universe Philippines 2024 pageant.
Who are your favorites for Miss Universe Philippines 2024? Comment below