PH’s Maria Gigante is Universal Woman 2024

Maria Gigante is the Universal Woman 2024.

The Cebuana beauty queen was crowned the second Universal Woman at the pageant held on Friday night in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Aside from the main title, she also won the Social Media Award.

The runners-up are: Venezuela’s Lisandra Chirinos is the first runner-up; France’s Elisa Mysyshyne is the second runner-up; Cambodia’s Brianna Mai is the third runner-up; and Dominican Republic’s Tavera Pena Chabelli is the fourth runner-up.

For the question and answer portion, the top 5 queens were asked, “What does a Universal Woman mean to you?”

Maria answered, “To me, Universal Woman means the future. I learned from working with this organization that I want to live in a world that is filled with respect and collaboration. One that encourages us to step into our differences instead of ignoring them. And learn to harness them in order to affect positive social change. I want to be in this organization because I feel that I am not alone. I am one in an army of women who are ready and willing to make a difference. To support a world that is not only sustainable, but that stands for economic progress, and positive, inclusive, social impact. If you are here tonight, welcome to the new era of beauty.”

Maria was crowned by Universal Woman 2023, Valentina Sanchez of Valenzuela.

The Bantayan Island, Cebu native was appointed Universal Woman Philippines 2024 in January.

She previously joined the Miss World Philippines pageant in 2022, where she received the Miss Non-Fungible Beauty special award. She also took home the Best in Creative Editorial Fashion Photo alongside Cassandra Bermeo Chan.

According to its official website, the Universal Woman pageant “is a platform that champions the unique brilliance and beauty of women making a positive impact in the world today.” 

The pageant also welcomes delegates aged 25 to 45, with no restrictions in height, weight, and marital status. —Nika Roque/ VAL, GMA Integrated News