Miss Universe Philippines to launch regional pageants

The Miss Universe Philippines Organization will launch regional contests to improve accessibility for beauty queen aspirants who do not have the means to compete in the national pageant.

According to Lhar Santiago's report on "24 Oras," Wednesday, one of the first regional directors to sign their agreement is Cagayan de Oro's Jel Vidad.

"For the longest time, for you to become a candidate, you have to go to Manila on your own, pass your application, and wait if you get in, di ba? So mahirap siya for somebody who has no resources but may potential," said MUPH National Director Shamcey Supsup-Lee.

"This time we are reaching out to different places of the Philippines so it's going to be bigger and better Miss Universe," MUPH National Search Consultant Mags Cue added.

The organization also vowed that they will continue to serve as a safe space for women and that the candidates would always be protected.

This comes after the international pageant cut ties with its Indonesian franchisee following complaints of alleged sexual harassment from candidates.

Meanwhile, Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee is preparing extra hard for the Miss Universe pageant in El Salvador on November 18.

"Grabe siya magtrabaho, like, alam mo 'yon, sometimes I would tell her, maybe take a rest, pero siya 'yung tipong go lang nang go," Shamcey said. "And I believe that, you know, we have a good chance this year."

—Carby Basina/MGP, GMA Integrated News