MANILA, Philippines – The top six candidates competing for the Miss Universe Philippines 2025 crown took the spotlight during the coronation night held on Friday, May 2, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The candidates shared their thoughts on local politics, leadership, and good governance, just over a week before the national elections on May 12.
They were also asked timely questions on the role of women in politics, their definitions of good leadership, and the responsibilities that come with being a public figure.
In the Q&A segment, each finalist selected a question from an acrylic box and was given 30 seconds to deliver their answer.
Here’s what each candidate had to say:
Sultan Kudarat, Chelsea Fernandez
Question: The national elections are in a week’s time. Our national hero, Jose Rizal, wrote that the youth is the hope of our fatherland. How can our young people play an important role in our elections?
In our generation, youth has a strong personality, they have the power to choose and vote for the right leaders. That’s why tonight, I would like to encourage our youth to be wise in selecting our leaders because when we are very wise about this, we can reach the tip of the universe and the Philippines will definitely be progressive and productive as well.
Siniloan, Laguna, Yllana Marie Aduana
Question: If you were to be the governor or the mayor of the local government you’re representing now, what would be the single, most significant project that you would wish to accomplish, and why?
I’ve always known myself to be a committed advocate of education, and I would definitely promote education empowerment across all genders and our municipality, because we all understand that education is the key to open multiple doors of opportunities. The power that no one can ever take away from us and the solution to feel more empowered and transformed.
Muntinlupa, Teresita Ssen Marquez
Question: On May 12, 2025, our general elections will be held and we will be choosing our leaders. In your opinion, what is the most essential quality that we should look for in leaders, why?
We should look for someone who has integrity, someone who puts people’s welfare first before their own political wants and own needs. We should have a leader that is not politics as usual, but someone who will always put other people’s wants and needs.
Taguig, Ma. Katrina Llegado
Question: Women in Philippine politics are still a minority, and here in Miss Universe Philippines, we talk about “women empowerment.” How will you help empower women and encourage them to participate in politics?
Women today deserve a seat [at the] table. This time, babae naman. We are at par with men. We are trailblazers, we are leaders, and I think women are definitely a power, a force in the universe.
Cebu City, Gabriella Mai Carballo
Question: Just like our public officials, a beauty queen is a public figure whose life is under constant scrutiny. As a beauty queen, how do you maintain your authenticity amidst the expectations of the public?
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned that the most important thing is the posture of your heart. You have to ask yourself, am I putting out the best version of myself into the world and is that something that is helping other people? I don’t think there’s a reason that we have to live on this earth if we are not impacting other people positively. And so, I hope all of us can move forward, take people next to us, and move to a better place in our society; because as Filipinos, we can place love above all.
Quezon Province, Ma. Ahtisa Manalo
Question: They say that a good leader leads by example. Tell us about one event in your life when you led by example, and the impact it made.
I fell a while ago on stage. And the thing with me is, whenever I fall in life, I always make sure I come back stronger. Last year, I was here on this stage, and for the second time this year, I’m here, putting everything on this stage to be Miss Universe Philippines, because this is mine and my grandmother’s shared dream. And she passed away early this year. And this is my ode to her. – Rappler.com
– Rappler.com