The Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Press Presentation kicked off with the presentation of special awards to three lucky candidates.
Early winners of the special awards were Miss Misamis Oriental Annabelle Ma McDowell, Frontrow Catwalk Queen; Miss Makati City Michelle Marquez Dee, Frontrow Multi-Level Beauty; and Miss Pasay City Celeste Cortesi, Press Choice Best In Arrival Look. The awards were presented at the Hilton Grand Ballroom in Pasay City on Saturday, April 9.
The winner of the Netizens' Choice Best in Arrival Look will be announced on Sunday, April 10.
Frontrow Philippines, led by RS Francisco and Sam Versoza, is one of the major sponsors of the 2022 Miss Universe Philippines Competition.
Shamcey Supsup-Lee, national director for Miss Universe Philippines Organization, said that the bubble for the MUPh finalists begins today, Saturday. "There will be photo shoots and other activities leading to the coronation night. This will be a good training ground for the girls on what they should expect in Miss Universe. There are times you have to wake up early or sleep late at night. Miss Universe is always busy, and they have lots of activities."
Voltaire Tayag, MUPh director for communications, also announced that the reigning Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu of India will be the special guest at the grand coronation of the Miss Universe Philippines Competition at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on April 30.
Miss Universe top 5 finisher Beatrice Luigi Gomez said that aside from Harnaaz, some of her Miss Universe sisters are coming over to the Philippines. "I'm gonna be seeing some of them. You'll have to wait and see."
Asked about her best experiences at the Miss Universe Competition in Israel, Gomez said: "Definitely making a lot of friends and learning how to do my own makeup and hair. I only knew a few hairstyles when I joined Miss Universe Philippines. After the competition, I was able to curl my hair. I can do whatever hairstyle with the help of my team. I've improved a lot over the past few months. Landing in the top 5 is one of the best experiences in Miss Universe."
Gomez also wished the girls the best in the upcoming competition. "I want to remind them to focus on themselves. There'll be a lot of noise during the competition, but just focus on your performance. I'm wishing you all the best."
Shamcey described the forthcoming pageant as the grandest Miss Universe Philippines Competition ever. Earlier, organizers announced that former Miss Universe winners Pia Wurtzbach, Iris Mittenaere, and Demi-Leigh Tebow will host the grand coronation of Miss Universe Philippines 2022.