Press presentation

 MUPh 2022 candidates meet the media

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte

The Miss Universe Philippines (MUPh) organization formally presented the Top 32 official candidates to members of the media, over the weekend, at the grand ballroom of The Hilton, the official residence of the contestants.

At the close of the confab, three candidates received special awards. 

Pasay City's representative Celeste Cortesi was awarded Best Arrival Look. The Italian-Pinay wore a peach-hued maxi bubble dress that reminded film buffs of Deborah Kerr's  character Anna Leonowens from the "King and I." The dress gave Cortesi a royal and regal vibe.

Misamis Oriental's bet Annabelle MacDonnell was given the Front row Multi-level Look citation. The svelte contender from Cagayan de Oro wowed spectators with her Filipiniana-inspired pantsuit. 

Michelle Marquez Dee was named Catwalk Queen. The Makati City rep sashayed in a leg-baring ermine shift dress with splotches of canary and crimson grafitti beadwork.

This early the three ladies are considered this year's formidable frontrunners.

Hosted by Miss Universe Philippines 2021 2nd runner-up Steffi Rose Aberasturi and MUPh organization's director of communications Voltaire Tayag, the press presentation afforded fans and supporters a glimpse on who among the Top 32 candidates had a greater chance at the crown.

Aside from the three former Miss Universes - Pia Wurtzbach, Iris Mittenaere, and Demi Leigh nel-Peters Tebow - who will be hosting the coronation night, reigning Miss Universe Haarnaz Sandhu will be part of the judging panel. This was confirmed by national director Shamcey Supsup-Lee during the press conference.

The 2022 Miss Universe Philippines coronation night will unfold on April 30 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Stay tuned!