IS the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 the bardagulan of pageant veterans edition?

After the Miss Universe Philippines unveiled the top 40 contenders in this year’s contest, fans were shocked with the comeback and crossovers of frontrunners in the world of pageantry. 

For this year, contestants are vying not only for the Miss Universe Philippines crown, as the Miss Universe Organization announced that there would be two more titles at stake in the competition.

Details of the two new crowns have yet to be announced by the Miss Universe Philippines National Director Shamcey Supsup-Lee.

But fans are already anticipating an exciting pageant, courtesy of the veterans livening up this year’s race to the top.

Here are five of the pacesetters who will spice up this year’s Miss Universe 2023 edition.

Michelle Dee

Michelle Daniela Marquez Dee  is a Filipino actress, model, host and Miss World 2019 titleist. She is the daughter of former Miss International 1979 winner and actress Melanie Marquez. 

Apart from her Miss World stint, Dee also won Miss Universe 2022 as first runner up. 

Dee started to win over pageant fans after she emerged as her group’s head-to-head challenge winner during Miss World 2019.

She has brought her autism advocacy from the world to the universe stage and continues to fulfill her “lifelong mission” for autism advocacy.

Pauline Amelinckx

Pauline Amelinckx captured the hearts of many, including three-time repeater and Binibining Pilipinas Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, for her answer during the Miss Universe 2022 final question and answer portion.

What is that one life-changing decision that you’ve made, and what was its impact on your life?

Her answer: The life-changing decision that I’ve made is to join Miss Universe Philippines again, despite being bashed before for my body, being doubted by people. I found strength in myself. And this story can be a testament for other people to draw strength from, too. That a second chance can be just as sweet, and you can still achieve your ultimate a second time around.  

Amelinckx has been a consistent frontrunner since she started her Miss Universe Philippines journey in 2020 along with her batch sister Rabiya Mateo.

She was among the Miss Universe 2022 winners along with Celeste Cortesi, who won the edition, and Michelle Dee who was hailed first-runner up. 

Amelinckx advocates for youth protection by participating in child hunger initiatives, arts, and marine conservation.

Samantha Panlilio

One of the shocking crossovers from Binibining Pilipinas to Miss Universe was done by Samantha Panlilio. From being Binibining Pilipinas Grand International crown holder, Panlilio is now trying her luck as she submitted her application for the 2023 edition of Miss Universe Philippines 

Panlilio advocates for building sustainable communities in rural areas. Along with this, she also participated in humanitarian causes that rebuilt houses and communities in China, Indonesia, and Philippines.

Emmanuelle Vera

Emmanuelle Vera is also one of the stunners of the 2023 edition of the Miss Universe philippines. Vera represented the country as Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas in 2021 and finished third runner-up.

The 26-year-old singer turned beauty queen focuses on fighting online sexual exploitation of children.

Before joining pageantry, Vera was an actress and appeared in various national television shows.

Christine Opiaza

Former Binibining Pilipinas candidate and Miss Bikini Philippines 2016 titleholder Christine Opiaza has crossed from vying for a Binibining Pilipinas crown to a Miss Universe crown. 

During all her years in pageantry, Opiaza has been a consistent advocate of ecological conservation and mental health awareness.

She was one of the pageant favorites during Bb. Pilipinas 2022, although she failed to win a crown.

Who’s your favorite contestant this year?