Press presentation

 MUPh bares 2024 candidates lineup

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte

The Miss Universe Philippines Organization formally presented their official lineup to the 2024 edition of their annual national search on Feb 18th at The Hilton.

In a social media post, using their @themissuniverseph account, the organization wrote, "Hello, Philippines! Mabuhay! Meet the much talked-about delegates of the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 competition. . . . Tomorrow, the stars shine brighter than ever in our Universe."

With a number of highly qualified entrants in this year's competition, pageant aficionados are of the opinion that this batch will face a "bloodbath" before heralding a victor. The high number of aspirants, including frontrunners who've already completed on the international stage, as well as strong contenders who have done the rounds of competing in the national searches, will necessitate a game plan that would cover all 'bases' of the competition.

Here's hoping our national winner breaks the semis in Mexico, because no Filipina delegate has placed in any of the four times - 1978, 1989, 1993, 2007 - that the Central American nation has hosted the international finals.

The 2024 candidates' lineup, in alphabetical order, is comprised of:

- Elaine Bernales (Albay)

- Joanne Thornley (Angeles City)

- Kymberlee Street (Australia, OFC)*

- Yvonne Catamco (Bacolod)

- Kim Victoria Vincent (Bacoor)

- Tara Mae Valencia (Baguio)

- Juvel Ducay (Bantayan Island)

- Mariztella Lat (Batangas)

- Bianca Gaviola (Bohol)

- Natasha Jane Bajuyo (Bukidnon)

- Chelsea Manalo (Bulacan)

- Daniel Alcantara Villar (Cabanatuan)

- Lynn Eirene Lomongo (Cagayan de Oro)

- Stacey Gabriel (Cainta)

- Rethiana Rosa (Camiguin)

- Deanna Mate (Cavite)

- Kris Tiffany Janson (Cebu)

- Maria Isabel Pelayo (Davao)

- Johanna Yulo (Davao del Sur)

- Matea Mahal Smith (Florida, OFC)*

- Patricia Bianca Tapia (Hawaii, OFC)*

- Alexie Mae Brooks (Iloilo City)

- Natasha Jung (Kananga)

- Alexandra Mae Rosales (Laguna)

- Nica Zosa Nabua (Lapu-Lapu City)

- Angel Rose Tambal (Leyte)

- Rikki Mae dela Peña (Lucban)

- Victoria Leslie Ingram (Mandaue)

- Ysabel Macuja (Manila)

- Elle Hallman (Mariveles)

- Mary Yasol (Miami, OFC)

- Kristine Jane Sarsalejo (Misamis Oriental)

- Mary Rose Guiral (Naic)

- Kayla Rabaya Carter (Northern California, OFC)*

- Marinell Salvador (Nueva Ecija)

- Zoleil Mellane Taño (Occidental Mindoro)

- Hershey Mhae Senit (Pagadian)

- Raven Doctor (Palawan)

- Cyrille Payumo (Pampanga)

- Grace Jineah Lumague (Pangasinan)

- Selena Antonio Reyes (Pasig)

- Lorraine Ojimba (Quezon City)

- Maria Ahtisa Manalo (Quezon Province)

- Stephanie Faye Gerona (Quirino)

- Eunice Deza (San Pablo City)

- Joshell de Ocampo (Siargao)

- Trizia Lorenz Ambagan (Silang)

- Janet Lyn Hammond (Southern California, OFC)*

- Jenina Lui (Sydney, OFC)*

- Tamara Ocier (Tacloban)

- Christi Lynn McGarry (Taguig)

- Mary Josephine Paaske (Talisay City)

- Kim Irish Placibe (Toledo City)

- Zhyra Mae Cabalza (Tuguegarao)

- Christina dela Cruz Chalk (United Kingdom)

- Denise Nicole (Virginia, OFC)*

- Kiara Landon (Washington, OFC)*

- Anita Rose Gomez (Zambales)

*OFC (Overseas Filipino Community)

The 2024 Miss Universe Philippines final show is slated to unfold on May 11th at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Reigning queen Michelle Marquez Dee will crown her successor at the close of the coronation rites. Stay tuned!