1 month ago
22
After a successful inaugural run in 2024, Miss Universe Philippines-Quezon City (MUPH-QC) is back, ready to discover its next representative for the prestigious Miss Universe Philippines 2025 competition.
On January 10, MUPH-QC unveiled its 10 official candidates who embody beauty, grace, and inspiring life stories. Selected from various parts of the city, these women bring diverse advocacies and unique experiences to the stage. From a cancer survivor, a flight attendant and licensed student pilot to a 56-year-old beauty queen, the local competition proves once again that they are more than just physical appearances.
The 10 official candidates of Miss Universe Philippines-Quezon City, among whom are a 56-year-old beauty queen and a licensed student pilot. PHOTO BY JOHN ORVEN VERDOTE
Patricia Logdat, 21, Brgy. South Triangle. A seasoned pageant queen and cancer survivor, Logdat uses her platform to champion cancer awareness. Through her project, "Bandana," she aims to support cancer patients, especially children, and raise awareness about their struggles.
Jamaica Sicat, 20, Brgy. Baesa. This flight attendant and licensed student pilot is breaking barriers in the traditionally male-dominated aviation industry. Sicat's advocacy focuses on inspiring women to pursue careers in aerospace through initiatives like "Girls in Aviation Day."
Catherine Muguerza, 56, Brgy. Sangandaan. The oldest contestant this year, Muguerza is fulfilling her lifelong dream of becoming a beauty queen. A mother of four, she advocates for senior women's empowerment, proving that age is no barrier to pursuing dreams.
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"It's really an honor and a privilege at my age, and I haven't been bashed yet. I'd like to be an inspiration to everyone. This is a blessing for me, especially since I'm close to becoming a senior citizen," Muguerza said in an interview.
Carmel Anne Aquino, 25, Brgy. Project 6. Returning to the competition with her "Carmel 2.0" mantra, this designer-planner is focused on promoting confidence and inner beauty through her advocacy, "Beauty Through Confidence."
Melody Docog, 20, Brgy. West Kamias. A passionate student and seasoned pageant contender, Docog is committed to raising mental health awareness and using her platform to inspire change.
Zoe Honeyman, 23, Brgy. Tatalon. An Australian-Filipino psychology graduate, Zoe merges her love for community service and mental health advocacy to make a meaningful impact on and off the stage.
Asked what it takes for them to win the crown, Honeyman noted, "I think the most important way to stand out is to stay authentic to yourself because there is no point in trying to be someone that you are not."
Hanna Amistad, 20, Brgy. Socorro. With multiple pageant titles under her belt, this Dubai-raised beauty celebrates women's empowerment and LGBTQ+ inclusivity, embodying the pride of Quezon City's "City of Stars."
"Coming from Quezon City which is known as the City of Stars, it's now known that anyone that comes from here has star power. The thing that we need in order to win is to show them what makes us different, what makes us shine and how we can use that light to shine on stage," enthused Amistad.
Jam Co, 20, Brgy. Baesa. A passionate advocate for women in aviation, Co brings her experience as a flight attendant and pilot-in-training to the competition, aiming to inspire young girls to break boundaries.
Shaina Bello, 25, Brgy. Pasong Putik Proper. An interior designer by profession, Bello seeks to challenge stereotypes in pageantry while promoting local crafts and design culture.
Andrea Alonzo, 20, Brgy. E Rodriguez Sr. A working student and determined pageant hopeful, Alonzo represents her barangay with pride, inspired by the resilience of Miss Universe Asia Chelsea Manalo.
"One thing I learned from the last year's competition in Miss Universe is that we all know Chelsea Manalo was bashed because she was not fans' favorite or people simply does not favor her but I really admire how she proved those people wrong. She took home the Miss Universe Asia title and I want to put that aspect in me as I represent Brgy. E. Rodriguez Sr," said Alonzo.
Meanwhile, MUPH-QC's advocacy extends beyond pageantry. By partnering with Voice for Change, part of the competition's proceeds will fund scholarships for underprivileged children, furthering the organization's commitment to making a meaningful impact.
Building on its initial success — garnering 530,000 Facebook Live viewers and 3 million organic reach across social media — this year's pageant is set to deliver an even grander show.
The Grand Coronation Night will take place on Feb. 2, at 7 p.m. at the SM Skydome in North Edsa, featuring special appearances by Manhunt International 2022 winner Kevin Dasom, Miss Universe Philippines 2020 finalist Michele Gumabao, and Miss Universe Asia Chelsea Manalo.
