MANILA, Philippines — Maria Gigante, a model, host and influencer from Bantayan Island, Cebu, was crowned the second Universal Woman winner in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on March 22.
She was also named the UW Social Media winner prior to the announcement of the 24 semi-finalists. Maria's victory bodes well for the ALV Pageant Circle, which holds the local franchise, after a slew of non-placements from its other franchises last year.
There was a slight confusion with pageant audiences, especially with the Filipino pageant community, who thought Maria was out of the race after the first 12 semi-finalists were announced. However, the announcement was made in two installments. The remaining 12 delegates were revealed after a commercial break.
Lesandra Chirinos of Venezuela, Elisa Mysyshyne of France, Brianna Maii of Cambodia and Chapeli Peña of Dominican Republic were proclaimed runners-up in descending order.