What do you mean it’s been less than a year since and we’re onto the next Miss Universe pageant again?! Buckle up, pageant season starts early.
Just when the dust of Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Beatrice Luigi Gomez earning her spot at the top five back in December has settled, here we are already moving on to another. Yes, just like that. That was a pretty fast, but the reigning queen will always be one of our sentimental favorites. While she won’t be easily forgotten, the work has to be done and it seems that pageant season is starting early.
Now, the stage lights are back up, calling on aspiring queens who wish to reign the world—the universe rather—and we’re excited to see a more diverse representation for 2022. Screening is about to happen in less than a month as seen on Miss Universe Philippines’ social media pages, but at this point, we are training our attention at the unofficial Twitter hashtag, #WishMiss, where the queen spotting has commenced, mystery and all. Here, we compiled a list of potential candidates that pageant fans have been rooting for. The one million peso question remains: Sino na ang magpapagalaw na ng baso?
1. STEFFI ABERASTURI
Pageant fans believe that Miss Universe Philippines 2021 2nd Runner-Up Steffi Aberasturi deserves another chance and they aren’t wrong! She’s the “undefeated beauty queen” (as her fans like to call her) that has six titles under her belt.
2. MARIA AHTISA MANALO
With an angelic face and unparalleled queenly demeanor like Binibining Pilipinas-International 2018 Ahtisa Manalo, it’s not hard to see why. After withdrawing her application for Miss Universe in 2020 to focus on her health, we hope she’ll be back to get that crown.
3. PATCH MAGTANONG
Lawyer and Binibining Pilipinas-International 2019 Patch Magtanong has been a pageant fan-favorite ever since she joined the competition for her grace, wit, and stance. She’ll fight for the crown if she gets the chance, that’s for sure.
4. EMMA TIGLAO
Emma Tiglao has been joining pageants since 2014. She finished Top 20 at the Miss Intercontinental 2019 semi-finals after her first attempt at Miss World Philippines in 2015 and Bb. Pilipinas in 2014.
5. BELLA YSMAEL
When you have Miss Universe Margie Moran as your aunt, you already have a strong foundation to build upon. After bagging 1st runner-up next to Rabiya Mateo in 2020, she’s ready to take the crown once more.
6. VICTORIA VELASQUEZ VINCENT
Through and through, Victoria has raised the flag no matter what the cost. She revealed in an Instagram post a few months ago that she was offered the Miss Universe Zealand 2021 title shortly after her coronation as Miss Universe Philippines charity last year, which she politely declined, of course. Queen moves!
7. KELSEY MERRITT
Filipina supermodel Kelsey Merritt has been subject of most rumors in the pageant world ever since. Time to get that crown, angel!
8. MARIA ISABEL GALERIA
It’s about time we have a morena queen that’s deserving of the crown. As one of the most-awaited candidates since 2020 and her candid moment (that turned into a meme) at Bb. Pilipinas where she unintentionally let Anne Curtis hold the mic for her, here’s to hoping model Maria Isabel Galeria finally applies for Miss Universe Philippines 2021.
9. SANDRA LEMONON
After announcing that she will now be retiring from pageants, Sandra Lemonon’s fans are still eager to see the Miss Universe Philippines semi-finalist compete once again. Amid the controversy when she was a candidate, she believes the truth will come out sooner or later. And that’s the tea.
10. GABBY BASIANO
Remember Gabby Basiano’s unexpected reveal moment at the Bb. Pilipinas 2021 Finals in her stunning hooded pearl gown? It’s still living in our minds rent-free. Oh, and she’s also an advocate for mental health. Check!
11. ROXIE BAEYENS
We’re ready for Miss Earth Philippines 2020 Roxie Baeyens transformation this 2021. In the past, she’s also joined Miss Tourism Culture Universe in 2019 and finished 1st runner-up.
12. LOU YANONG
Filipina model and actress Lou Yanong’s fans believe that she’s ready to get that crown. She’s already been asked this question in the past to which Lou answered, “one day, maybe.”
13. ALEXIE CAIMOSO BROOKS
20-year old pageant rookie Alexie Brooks may be new to the scene, but she’s already been making a lot of noise especially on TikTok for her eloquence, look, and receiving the gold medal for Heptathlon and qualifying for SEA Games this 2022. You go, girl!
14. GABBI GARCIA
Another morena beauty that pageant fans are keeping an eye on is actress Gabbi Garcia. She’s articulate and embodies the true Filipina. In a past interview she says, “when the right time comes na I’m able to join, I will allot a year…at least a year to prepare for it.” Yup, she’s up for the challenge!
15. SANYA LOPEZ
Actress Sanya Lopez has also become one of the bets in the #WishMiss list. If you can remember in 2018, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach told Sanya, “we’re ready for you,” in case she ever decides to join the pageant world.
16. PAULINE AMELINCKX
Miss Universe Philippines 2020 3rd Runner-Up Pauline Amelinckx is also rumored to join the beauty pageant once again. During the height of the pandemic in 2020, she launched her “Hope In A Box” campaign where she donated face masks, coloring books, powdered milk, and fruits to the kids of Bohol. She was also swift in her relief response during the aftermath of Typhoon Odette.
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