Meet The 3 Moms Who Are Part of the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Candidates
The 2023 Miss Universe Philippines edition is the first time that moms are joining the pageant.
The 40 Miss Universe Philippines 2023 candidates were announced on Saturday, February 18, and three of them are already moms.
Eileen Gonzales, Clariele Dacanay, and Joeymay-An Leo are making history as Miss Universe candidates who are now single or married moms in the pageant. Single moms and married women were formally allowed to join after the Miss Universe Organization announced the changes last year.
Eileen, Claire, and Joeymay will compete for the title alongside familiar faces such as beauty queens Michelle Dee, Pauline Amelinckx, Samantha Panlilo, Emmanuelle Vera, and model/host Angelique Manto, who made it as part of the list.
Making History
After the announcement, Miss Universe Philippines national director Shamcey Supsup-Lee expressed optimism about this year’s edition.
“We always say that Miss Universe is not just a beauty pageant, it’s a platform to share stories and inspire women,” she said. ” Kung ano man ang age, height, marital status, it doesn’t matter. You can be Miss Universe Philippines.”
The 2011 Miss Universe 3rd runner-up can relate to the challenges of the 3 mom candidates. She is also now a mom to two children and balancing being a career woman.
“As a mom myself, I know how difficult it is to juggle being a career woman, being a mother, and being a wife. And so for them to be here and continue their dream, sabi ko nga becoming a mom doesn’t stop you from dreaming. And I hope that it inspires other women in anything that they want to do.”
Physical activities are back
Shamcey also happily shared that they are planning a lot of activities now that live events are back.
“We’re very happy that we have these face-to-face deliberations and screenings. For the longest time, it [was] zoom lang kami. I miss the energy and you’ll definitely get to see more of the girls.”
The MUPH organization has yet to announce its line-up of activities. The coronation night is in April.
Three titles are at stake. The Miss Universe Philippines winner will represent the country in El Salvador by the end of the year.
Check out our stories on pageantry in the Philippines!
8 Mother and Daughters Who Joined Beauty Pageants
Celeste Cortesi Reunites with Her Mother After Almost Three Years
What Chelsea Fernandez Wants People to Learn from Her Story as a Foster Child
