Fil-Am beauties shine at Miss Universe Philippines 2024

Photos from Miss Universe Philippines/Facebook

The Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) pageant has long been a platform for showcasing the beauty, wit and talent of Filipinas. Traditionally, candidates represented their respective provinces. However, in the 2024 edition, the organization broadened its horizons to include Filipino communities worldwide, including various states in the US.

On the night of May 22, Filipino pageant fans gathered at the Mall of Asia Arena to witness the crowning of the new queen who would represent the Philippines on the international stage. Among the 53 contestants, Chelsea Manalo of Bulacan emerged victorious, outshining former titleholders, veterans and frontrunners.

In a significant first, representatives from Filipino communities – Bianca Tapia of Hawai’i and Kayla Jean Carter of Northern California – secured spots in the semi-finals, making it to the top 20.

Tapia also won the “Swimsuit Challenge,” a pre-pageant activity, and was a finalist in the “Up Close and Personal Interview Challenge,” where Fil-Am Alexie Brooks, representing Iloilo, took the top prize.

The Miss Philippines Hawai’i organization expressed their pride on Instagram, stating, “Winning the swimsuit challenge and placing top 20 out of 52 other beautiful, strong and confident delegates is such an accomplishment in itself. We are extremely proud of you [Bianca] and you’ve made Hawai’i proud. Thank you for your hard work and we can’t wait to welcome you back home and give our congratulations in person!”

Northern California’s Carter, a standout favorite due to her international appeal, communication skills and physique, also received heartfelt congratulations from her community.

They posted, “Heartfelt congratulations to our MUPH Northern California for making it to the Top 20 of Miss Universe Philippines! Your journey and dedication have inspired us all. Continue to shine and make us proud!”

Notably, Carter also appeared on Netflix’s “Too Hot to Handle.”

Other US representatives included Southern California’s Jet Hammond, who was also recognized as finalist in both the National Costume and Swimsuit Challenge categories, Florida’s Matea Mahal Smith, Miami’s Mary May Yasol and Virginia’s Denise Nicole Yujuico.

In the end, Binibining Pilipinas 2022 runner-up Stacey Gabriel of Cainta was named first runner-up, Miss International 2018 first runner-up Ahtisa Manalo of Quezon Province was named second runner-up, Tarah Valencia of Baguio was named third runner-up and Miss Intercontinental 2015 first runner-up Christi McGarry of Taguig was named fourth runner-up.

On the same night, it was also announced that Quezon Province’s Manalo will represent the country in the Miss Cosmo pageant, Valencia in Miss Supranational, top 10 finalist Cyrille Payumo of Pampanga in Miss Charm and top 10 finalist Brooks of Iloilo in Miss Eco-International.