Victoria Velasquez Vincent

Cavite delegate wins MuPh's interview challenge

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte

Last weekend, the Miss Universe Philippines organization conducted the interview challenge. With Cagayan Province out of the race, and Baguio City's rumored withdrawal confirmed by her non-inclusion in the interview round, the remaining 48 delegates all answered two questions, and the common question, "How has the pandemic challenged you?" All the ladies were given 30 seconds to answer each of the questions, and when the bell chimed, the ensuing replies were muted.

Victoria Velasquez Vincent of Cavite was chosen by the panel of jurors as the winner in this category. The second place went to Maria Ingrid Teresita Santamaria of Parañaque, while Rousanne Marie Bernos of San Juan City redeemed herself beautifully by winning third place and returning to the Top 4 spot ranking she enjoyed in the first two challenges.

Fan favorites Katrina Jayne Dimaranan of Taguig City, Steffi Rose Aberasturi of Cebu Province, Maureen Christa Wroblewitz of Pangasinan, and Kirsten Danielle Delavin of Masbate, who all aced the same challenge, were not in the leaderboard because they might have been excluded as the candidates with the highest fan votes.

The fourth place went to Isabelle de los Santos of Makati City, and Megan Julia Roa Digal of Bukidnon won fifth place. Beatrice Luigi Gomez of Cebu City continues her streak to land in sixth place, while Simone Nadine Bornilla of Marinduque occupied the seventh spot. This challenge also gave way to new entries on the leaderboard.

On their social media account, the Miss Universe Philippines organization wrote that "the battle to secure the coveted spots to the coronation night is really getting interesting as we get closer to the Final 30! From there, it will be back to zero with a different set of judges. Who do you think will make the cut? Who will be saved by the votes?"

The panel of jurors in this challenge were MUPh national director Shamcey Supsup-Lee, MUPh style council head Albert Andrada, TV anchor Joey Guilas, Saga Events founder Robbie Carmona, and fashion show director Jackie Aquino.

The MUPh organization also included Atty. P.Y. Cuanan, MUPh creative director Jonas Gaffud, MUPh business development and marketing head Mario Garcia, MUPh head of legal affairs Nad Bronce, MUPh head of women empowerment and charity Lia Ramos, and outgoing Miss Universe Philippines Rabiya Mateo, to be part of the panelists.

The aforementioned post went further in saying that "the interview challenge showed why the official candidates are truly inspiring women. Among them, there were seven phenomenal delegates who stood out to our panelists for their eloquence and poise during the interview. The panelists had a very tough time narrowing it down as there were so many amazing performances."

Moderated by MUPh director of communications Voltaire Tayag, the two-part challenge, as recorded by Empire Philippines, took place last Saturday, August 28.

Pageant fans were very excited upon knowing who made it to this year's Final 30. Stay tuned for other coming updates!

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Images from Facebook/MuPh