Just in Time

 Miss Universe Manila 2026 meets the press

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte

The Miss Universe Philippines Manila organization, and Merlion Manila, holder of the local franchise, held an intimate bequeathal ceremony at the Wack Wack Golf & Country Club with members of the pageant media.

Miss Universe Philippines Manila 2025 Jasmine Paguio bequeathed unto Miss Universe Philippines Manila 2026 Justine Felizarta her crown through a no-frills sashing and crowning ceremony.

“Twelve years ago, the Miss Manila pageant gave me the opportunity to start my pageant journey. So when they invited me to have a shot at the MUPh crown, I said yes to a dream that I thought was over for me. So when the opportunity presented itself, it was too good to pass 

“I’ve been eyeing for the Miss Universe crown since I first joined pageantry. But license holding exchanged hands, ‘til the unexpected changes (i.e., the scrapping of age restriction) happened that kind of reawakened my dream,” shared Century Tuna’s female Super Bods winner.

This is Justine’s fourth pageant journey, including the Miss Manila 2014, Binibining Pilipinas 2021, Miss World Philippines 2022, and Miss Tourism World Int’l 2022, where she won as 1st runner-up to eventual winner, Erina Hanawa of Japan.

“Pageant experience is an advantage ‘coz you take with you every lesson from each one you joined. I remember being inspired by Miss Universe 2013 3rd runner-up Ariella Arida during the 50th anniversary edition of Binibining Pilipinas. Purpose defines the crown, whatever brand it is. You use it with your voice to inspire a lot of people,” enthused Justine, who shared that her advocacy is centered on health & wellness; which is closely linked to her pharmacy business.

The organization, fortunately, chose her to represent the very city where she began her very first pageant over a decade ago.

“Manila is a city of resilience and opprtunity. To represent the Philippines on the global stage is an honor. I don’t take that lightly. But first, I need to bring back the national crown to the city of Manila,” Justine said in closing.

Justine, and 50 other delegates, are all competing for the chance to represent the Philippines at the 75th Miss Universe edition in November.