The Timeless Women Fans Wish to See in Miss Universe Philippines

The removal of the age limit in the Miss Universe pageant has become a game changer and fans are already wishing for past Filipina queens to give it one more shot.

Filipinos have always been hooked on beauty pageants. It’s like an Olympic sport to watch wherein everything just stops to watch whether the Philippines’ representative will win and recently, the Miss Universe Organization made another announcement. After allowing transwomen and mothers or married women to compete, they also removed the age limitation. The previous limitation was up to 28 years old.

Although the Philippines’ representative Michelle Dee has yet to compete in El Salvador this November, pageant fans are already urging some of the past Filipina queens to give Miss Universe Philippines another shot despite getting married or already having kids. Here are just five ladies who fans wish to give it another try.

Vickie Rushton-Abalos

Vickie Rushton is considered a pageant veteran, having competed in Mutya ng Pilipinas and Binibining Pilipinas. She eventually placed 1st runner-up in 2018 to Catriona Gray. She was set to give Bb. Pilipinas one last try in 2020 until the pandemic happened and completely aged her out.

In 2022, she married Jason Abalos and last September, they welcomed their son Knoa. Fans have been hoping for her to give pageantry another try. However, it seems she has already settled herself within her new role as a mom.

Patch Magtanong-Cordoves

Bea Patricia Magtanong competed in Bb. Pilipinas 2019 where she won the title of Bb. Pilipinas International. She went on to compete in Japan and placed in the Top 8.

After her stint, many were urging her to give Miss Universe Philippines a try. But Patch, who went on to practice law, focused not only on being a lawyer but on her role as an influencer and model. Last July, she married her longtime boyfriend Josh Cordoves who is the sibling of Bb. Pilipinas Grand International 2016 and host Nicole Cordoves.

Steffi Aberasturri-Arcenas

Steffi Aberasturri is no stranger to the pageant scene, having won competitions in Cebu. In 2021, she decided to give Miss Universe Philippines a try and placed second runner-up. She also became a viral sensation that year thanks to her pasarela walk at the Cordova-Cebu link expressway.

She has since immersed herself in hosting local pageants and corporate events.

Last January, Steffi tied the knot with her boyfriend Karl Arcenas in Cebu. She has since been busy with hosting and modeling.

Alaiza Malinao

Alaiza Malinao first competed in Bb. Pilipinas and Asia’s Top Model. In 2020, she was one of the candidates for the inaugural Miss Universe Philippines where she was a semifinalist.

Then in 2021, she surprised followers when she announced she was pregnant with her son Noah. And in September she welcomed another son, Oliver with her non-showbiz partner Dennis.

Winwyn Marquez

One woman who got tagged on social media immediately after the age removal was announced was actress and Reina Hispanoamericana 2017 Winwyn Marquez. Now a mother to her daughter Luna, Winwyn has been devoting her time as a host and as an actress on GMA 7. With her cousin Michelle Dee competing in El Salvador, we will just have to wait if she will give it another try.

Times are indeed changing

With the continuing changes in Miss Universe, it remains to be seen how the age removal or even the addition of moms or married women to the mix will affect the pageant. Although some moms have joined in this year’s Miss Universe Philippines edition and two moms will compete on the international stage, it has yet to be determined if fans will really accept it.

More about beauty pageants and their evolution:

Why Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel is Proud of Her Filipino Roots

Michelle Dee Paid Tribute to Her Mom at Miss Universe Philippines

Miss Universe Owner Anne Jakrajutatip Explains Social Inclusion