Meet the ladies redefining what it means to be a magnificence queen, breaking free from cookie-cutter expectations
MANILA, Philippines – Universe, are you prepared for them?
In 2012, the Miss Universe group started welcoming transgender candidates, with Spain’s Angela Ponce being the primary to transgender lady in historical past to compete on the worldwide pageant’s 2018 version.
In 2022, over 70 years after its inception, the group made historical past anew by saying that the 2023 version of the pageant can be open to moms and wives. The elimination of the age restrict was then utilized to the 2024 competitors — one other step in direction of inclusivity.
Listed here are some Filipina magnificence queens who’re rewriting the foundations and defying decades-long requirements within the Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) scene.
Keylyn Trajano, Miss Universe Philippines – Pampanga 2025
MUPH-Pampanga formally unveiled the 16 candidates vying for the crown and the prospect to symbolize the province in Miss Universe Philippines 2025 on November 19. One in every of them is Keylyn Trajano, a transgender lady hailing from Siñura, municipality of Porac.
Trajano made historical past as the primary transgender lady to compete in MUPH-Pampanga. MUPH-Pampanga describes her as a “profitable mannequin, entrepreneur, and advocate who champions inclusivity, variety, and empowerment.”
“I’ve been consistently informed to cease breaking the system, have been rejected quite a few occasions and eventually I’m right here! I suppose Ms. Key by no means offers up, no? Lots of people [have] given up on my delusions and aspirations, however what saved me going is myself! I vowed to myself to by no means cease till you attain your aim and my aim is to easily be a voice of change and hope. I do know my objective and that’s to be a magnificence queen with a real objective,” Trajano wrote in an Instagram publish when the information broke out.
Clare Dacanay, Miss Universe Philippines – Parañaque 2023
In 2023, three Pinays grew to become the primary moms to compete in Miss Universe Philippines, and one among them was Clariele “Clare” Dacanay.
In an interview with ABS-CBN Information, Dacanay — who can also be an inside designer and mannequin — shared that she instantly entered the competitors regardless of having no prior expertise in becoming a member of magnificence pageants. “I needed to indicate my daughter the worth and significance to by no means maintain again your desires,” the consultant from Parañaque shared.
Reflecting on her MUPH run, Dacanay took to social media to share that she was pushed by her want to make a distinction.
“I knew I had achieved my aim: to indicate that moms belong within the pageant world as stunning, assured, and highly effective ladies.” she wrote in an Instagram publish.
Pearl Gonzales, Miss Universe Philippines – Quezon Metropolis 2023
Sharing the same story is Pearl Gonzales (then often called Eileen Gonzales), a single mother who represented Quezon Metropolis and made historical past because the first-ever mom to be topped as Miss International Philippines in 2018.
“Do it for you. Do it for that little mini me, that little lady who was so lively, confidence, power and perception in herself. That little lady who by no means gave up, however tried and tried once more till she reached her targets. Let the season of transition refine and mildew you in stunning and difficult methods.” Gonzales shared on Instagram after she concluded her MUPH stint.
Joemay-An Leo, Miss Universe Philippines – Benguet 2023
A proud Igorota and one other empowering mom from the identical batch is Benguet’s Joemay-An Leo. In an interview video alongside the opposite mothers in vying for the crown, Leo shared that it took numerous power and dedication for her to juggle her roles as a magnificence queen, mother, and spouse. She additionally highlighted her want to interrupt the stigma by becoming a member of the pageant as a mom.
Leo is usually seen donning outfits that function textiles from Benguet, permitting her to showcase her cultural advocacy and categorical her aim to assist present extra alternatives for fellow Igorots.
Jocelyn Cubales, Miss Universe Philippines – Quezon Metropolis 2024 candidate
The next 12 months, Jocelyn Cubales, a 69-year-old dressmaker, together with 14 different magnificence queens representing Quezon Metropolis, made historical past because the first-ever senior citizen candidate to compete in Miss Universe Philippines – Quezon Metropolis.
Regardless of not making it to the nationwide stage, Cubales’ entry into the competitors is a testomony to the saying that you simply’re by no means too outdated to chase your desires.
Bonus: Chelsea Manalo, Miss Universe Philippines 2024
The identical 12 months, alongside Cubales’ historic look within the native pageant, Chelsea Manalo bested 52 different candidates and have become the primary half-black, half-Filipino to win the title and symbolize the Philippines on the worldwide stage, making it to the Prime 30.
Chelsea Manalo additionally made historical past because the first-ever Miss Universe Asia, following the group’s announcement throughout the press convention after the Miss Universe 2024 pageant, the place they launched the brand new continental queens.
These queens battle not just for the crown, however for a spot that permits them to function transformative representations of all types of magnificence at any age, SOGIE, and stroll of life. – with stories from Zach Dayrit/Rappler.com
Zach Dayrit is a Rappler intern finding out BS Psychology on the Ateneo de Manila College.
