Second, third, or more is the charm when it comes these candidates who have their eyes on the prize—a Miss Universe crown
Our most recent Miss Universe crowns were won by women who had the determination and passion to go through the tough and painstaking pageant journey over and over again. Pia Wurtzbach joined Binibining Pilipinas thrice before she won and eventually wore the crown at Miss Universe 2015. Catriona Gray failed to get the Miss World 2016 title, but that didn’t stop her from winning the Miss Universe 2018 crown. Our current Miss Universe Philippines Michelle Marquez Dee joined the pageant twice before she represented us proudly last year in the biggest pageant in the universe.
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This goes to prove that one loss should not determine someone’s fate. And this may be why the following candidates were inspired to join the big competition once again. Some had joined international pageants, while others had joined our local competitions. With these women following in the footsteps of our crowned queens—and gaining loyal followers along the way—will the next Miss Universe Philippines be a non-first-timer again?
Ahtisa Manalo
Quezon Province’s representative is now considered well-versed in the art of pageantry. Manalo was crowned Binibining Pilipinas International in 2018. She eventually finished as first runner-up at the Miss International 2018 in Tokyo. She also filed her application at the Miss Universe Philippines 2020, but withdrew from the pageant due to health reasons. Her adeptness may be in full display this year, as she recently won eight special awards at the preliminary gala night, held on May 19, at the Manila Hotel.
Stacey Gabriel
Stacey Gabriel knows what it’s like to win over dozens of women competing for the same title, being that she was second runner-up in the 2022 Binibining Pilipinas pageant. But the Cainta representative is striving for more. Gabriel has already won awards at the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Swimsuit Challenge held in Boracay last April. Her closed-door interview is also making rounds for her ability to speak passionately and fluently about her advocacy for elderly women deprived of liberty.
Kymberlee Street
Kymberlee Street is not only representing the Filipino community in Australia. She is also serving as an inspiration to women to pursue their dreams. While building her businesses (a skincare brand and a modeling school), Street had joined Miss Cosmopolitan World 2019 (Top 12) and Universe Australia 2022 (Top 10), among other pageants in Australia. Now, she says through an Instagram post, she wants to “embrace the challenges, soak in every learning opportunity, and grow into the authentic, empowered woman that I am.”
Christi McGarry
Before representing the Philippines at the Miss Intercontinental 2015 and Miss Intercontinental 2010, Christi McGarry was crowned Mutya ng Pilipinas Asia Pacific 2010. She also finished first runner-up in Miss New Jersey Teen USA in 2008. Her level of tenacity is definitely more laudable now: At 34, the DJ, model, and environmental advocate is back on the big stage, representing Taguig at the Miss Universe Philippines 2024.
Victoria Velasquez Vincent
Victoria Velasquez Vincent was born and raised in New Zealand. In fact, she was offered a spot at Miss Universe New Zealand, but she declined. Instead, she joined Miss Universe Philippines 2021 and won Miss Universe Philippines Charity. This year, the Irish-Filipina beauty is representing Bacoor City where her mother is from.
Kris Janson
In 2014, Binibining Pilipinas awarded a new title, Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental 2014, to Kris Tiffany Janson. Janson then became the first Filipina to represent the country in Miss Intercontinental where she ended up as second runner-up. Ten years later, and with Miss Universe Philippines removing the upper age limit for candidates, Janson is making a comeback as Cebu City’s representative.
Mary Yasol
A businesswoman in the real estate industry in the United States, Mary Yasol flew back home to share her story of bravery and strength. Before moving at the age of 21 for her then-partner, Yasol had joined Mutya ng Pilipinas 2011. However, Yasol has revealed that during the first few years in the US, she became a victim of domestic abuse. But the tragic phase in her life didn’t stop her from getting back up and achieving her goals. She then successfully built a career in real estate and even runs beauty and wellness salons in the U.S. She had joined several international pageants like Ms. Filipino-American in Florida and Ms. International World Beauty Pageant in 2019.
Selena Reyes
Selena Antonio-Reyes is proof that the definition of womanhood, especially in pageants, cannot be boxed into certain criteria. Married, 38, and a mother of two, Antonio-Reyes represents Pasig City at the Miss Universe Philippines 2024—and women are rejoicing. Antonio-Reyes is used to the stage, though. She competed at the Binibining Pilipinas 2010 and the Century Tuna Ageless Superbods in 2022. With candidates like her, we can definitely say we are grateful for the more modern, more inclusive rules in pageantry.
Anita Rose Gomez
Zambales is in good hands with 2021 Miss Philippines Earth contestant Anita Rose Gomez representing them for Miss Universe Philippines 2024. In a January 2024 Instagram post, Gomez said that while she lived a life of poverty, her journey is a “testament to the power of dreams and the transformative potential of education.” She is especially a big supporter of education for underprivileged children and youth.
Featured Image and Photos: MICHELLE MARQUEZ DEE, AHTISA MANALO, STACEY GABRIEL, KYMBERLEE STREET, CHRISTI MCGARRY, VICTORIA VELASQUEZ VINCENT, KRIS JANSON, MARY YASOL, SELENA REYES, ANITA ROSE GOMEZ (via Instagram)
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Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Candidates Who Competed Again
Source: Insta News Pinoy
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