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Miss Universe Philippines embraces removal of age limit in Miss Universe pageant


Michelle Dee is crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2023

The Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) Organization has welcomed the removal of the age requirement in the Miss Universe pageant.

In a statement on Thursday, the MUPH said the policy shift is a "move toward greater inclusivity and representation."

"Eliminating the age limit opens up a world of possibilities, allowing more women to vie for the prestigious title," the statement read. "It means more stories, more experiences, and more wisdom on the Miss Universe stage."

"We're not just increasing numbers; we're diversifying the pool of aspirants, thereby giving more women the chance to represent not just beauty, but resilience, intelligence, and vision."

Previously, the Miss Universe has an eligibility requirement of 18 to 28 years old. Starting next year's pageant, aspiring beauty queens over 28 can now enter the competition.

Under the helm of its new owner, Thai businesswoman Anne Jakrajutatip, the Miss Universe pageant began making changes last year. Starting this year's competition, married women and mothers can now join Miss Universe.

With the changes in the eligibility rules, several Filipina pageant veterans are considering once again vying for the crown. One of them is Samantha Bernardo, 30, who finished runner-up at the Miss Grand International 2020.

—MGP, GMA Integrated News