MANILA, Philippines — During the telecast of the 2023 Miss Universe, it was announced that Mexico would be the next edition’s host country. Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua will crown her successor in the said North American country.
From El Salvador, a country located in Central America, Miss U hops to North America. Mexico is holding it for the fifth time. The first was in Acapulco back in 1978, followed in Cancun, 1989. Miss Universe was held in Mexico City in 1993 and 2007.
The winners in these editions were Margaret Gardiner of South Africa, the latter’s first Miss Universe title holder; Angela Visser of the Netherlands, also the country’s first win; Dayanara Torres of Puerto Rico, the country’s third; and Riyo Mori of Japan, its second crown.
What’s also interesting to note is that viewers could see the composite scores of each candidate, and they had idea of how she fared in the swimsuit, evening gown, and question-and-answer segments in these Miss Universe stagings. However, they also knew the scores given by the judges in the 1993 edition.
The Philippines, with four wins courtesy of Gloria Diaz in 1969; Margie Moran, 1973; Pia Wurtzbach, 2015; and Catriona Gray, 2018, was represented by Jennifer Cortes (1978), Sara Jane Paez (1989), Melinda Joanna “Dindi” Gallardo (1993), and Anna Theresa Licaros (2007) in these Miss Universe editions.
Although the country has so far produced, again, four Miss Universe title holders and 23 semi-finalists, finalists and runners-up, Pinay representatives in all four Mexico-hosted editions didn’t make the first cut (Top 12, Top 10, the first round of selection for 1989 and 1993, and Top 15).
Anna Theresa, on the other hand, was named Miss Photogenic in 2007. It’s a special award along with Miss Congeniality, the Clairol Herbal Essence Style award, and National Costume given to delegates.
Given all this, it’s safe to say that the Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) organization is taking on the challenge to break this trend or possibility every time the country sends a representative to the Miss Universe edition mounted in Mexico.
As for the continents and geographical locations of the winners being crowned in Mexico, they come from Africa, Europe, the Carribean and Asia.
In its last holding (2007) prior to 2024, Korea’s Honey Lee joined Japan in the Top 5, in which the former was awarded the third runner-up honors.
Yes, from the time Mexico hosted Miss Universe in the late ‘70s to the latter part of the 2000s, as well as now, things have changed in terms of the pageant’s format and specific criteria for which the organization is looking for its winner.
This year, Michelle Marquez Dee was successful in her bid to secure Top 20 semi-finalist and Top 10 finalist spots for the Philippines. She also won special awards such as Voice for Change gold, Spirit of Carnival, Fan Vote, and National Costume.
That’s why Michelle, Miss Universe Philippines 2023 and Sparkle GMA Artist Center actress, is considered among the strong Pinay candidates who have graced the Miss Universe stage.
Whoever will represent the country next year has responsibilities such as continuing the semi-finals and Top 10 placement Michelle has started and breaking the non-placement trend of the Philippines in a Mexico-hosted Miss Universe pageant.
With the guidance of MUPH, she will represent the country well and come up with a strategy that works.
As a wont, the Philippine delegate has to keep up with Latinas’ stage presence and pageant walk. The new Miss Universe Philippines should also wow the Mexicans and engage them to get local support during the pageant’s preliminary round and the coronation night. Since doing pageantry can be likened to competing in any sporting event, she should have the commitment and dedication to perfect her pasarela or walk, stage command, as well as communication and public speaking skills.
Most importantly, she has timely advocacy that she knows like the back of her hand.
The Philippine representative should also form her own creative team that curates her every look for pre-pageant and pageant activities. Her voice and vision must be clear.
Having a winning attitude or mindset matters, too. She shouldn’t rely on the Philippines being a pageant powerhouse or its sash factor.
With that, pageant fans and aficionados are in for another adventure- and fun-filled Miss Universe as they rally behind Miss Universe Philippines 2024.
If she’s a pageant veteran or an enthusiast, she knows well what Miss Universe 2012 first runner-up Janine Tugonon, Miss Universe 2015 Pia, Miss Universe 2018 Catriona, and Miss Universe 2023 Top 10 finalist Michelle did to either come close to winning the title or to wear the crown.