IN PHOTOS: Highlights of Miss Universe Philippines 2022 coronation night

MANILA, Philippines – True to their promise, the Miss Universe Philippines organization made the 2022 coronation night their grandest and most star-studded event yet.

Held at the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday, April 30, the almost four-hour show was hosted by three former Miss Universe titleholders – Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere, and Miss Universe 2017 Demi-Leigh Tebow – who all wowed the crowd with their stunning ensembles.

The night’s festivities opened with a supercharged dance number by the 31 candidates. Strutting the runway with their Victoria’s Secret-esque wings, the finalists were serenaded with a performance from musician Bamboo.

It was later announced by the hosts that there were only 31 candidates onstage, instead of the earlier announced Top 32, as Benguet’s Shawntel Cruz had to exit the competition early because she was “feeling under the weather.”

Shortly after the opening number, the recipients of the special awards were announced. Ilocos Sur’s Jewel Alexandria Palacat was named Ms. Friendship, Pasay’s Celeste Cortesi was named Ms. Photogenic, and Albay’s Julia Calleja Saubier was named Best in National Costume.

The pageant’s panel of judges were then introduced, which included reigning Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu. The Indian beauty queen was also part of the selection committee during the preliminary competition.

The competition got fiercer then, as a number of fans started showing their support for their favorite candidates during the announcement of the Top 16. The semifinalists then showed off their physiques, wearing violet two-piece swimsuits. Pasay’s Celeste Cortesi won another special award for the night: Best in Swimsuit.

Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Beatrice Luigi Gomez then took the spotlight, as she recalled the moment she won the MUPH crown. Donning a black suit, Bea looked back on her Miss Universe Philippines pageant journey, on how her life changed since her crowning moment, and shared her future plans.

The ladies then brought out their best walks for the evening gown portion, wearing dresses by local designers. Makati’s Michelle Marquez Dee was hailed Best in Evening Gown.

The Top 10 were then announced, with each finalist having a quick chit-chat with Pia.

It was followed by the announcement of the Top 5 – Misamis Oriental, Makati, Taguig, Pasay, and Bohol. The remaining candidates then faced the Question and Answer portion.

As the deliberation on the winner was underway, the Miss Universe Philippines 2021 queens had their final walks. Present on coronation night were Miss Universe Philippines 2021 2nd runner-up Steffi Rose Aberasturi, Miss Universe Philippines 2021 1st runner-up Maureen Wroblewitz, Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Charity Victoria Velasquez Vincent, and Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Beatrice Luigi Gomez. Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Tourism Katrina Jayne Dimaranan, who’s currently based in the United States, wasn’t in attendance.

It was evident that organizers pulled out all the stops for a uniquely beautiful event as Morisette performed for the crowd. The stage was paraded by the Miss Universe Philippines 2022 candidates, and the Miss Universe titleholders – Pia Wurtzbach, Iris Mittenaere, Demi Leigh-Tebow, and Harnaaz Sandhu. Even Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray made a special appearance through a recorded video.