A new Miss Universe Philippines will soon take center stage as Chelsea Anne Manalo prepares to pass the crown on May 2, 2025, during the grand coronation night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Actress and TV host Gabbi Garcia and actor-director Xian Lim have been tapped to host this year’s Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) finale. The duo, known for their charm and onstage chemistry, will lead the event, which promises a dazzling display of beauty, talent, and Filipino pride.
Before the final night, all eyes will be on the preliminary competition set for April 28 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. A total of 66 candidates from across the nation will compete for the opportunity to represent the Philippines at the 74th Miss Universe pageant, scheduled for November 21 in Thailand.
Gabbi Garcia returns as pageant host
Gabbi Garcia, who also hosted last year’s MUPH alongside Alden Richards, is making her return to the pageant stage. She took to Instagram to share her excitement, posting a message to fans and followers saying she looks forward to seeing everyone on May 2.
She brings experience and youthful energy to the role, having previously hosted live events and variety shows under GMA Network. Meanwhile, Xian Lim, no stranger to hosting major events, is expected to bring polish and poise to the prestigious occasion.
Adding more flair to the night, Erika Kristensen-Lee and Tim Yap will take on backstage hosting duties, giving audiences behind-the-scenes glimpses and interviews with the candidates.
High-stakes crown as PH eyes Miss Universe 2025
The winner of this year’s MUPH will have the honor of representing the Philippines in Miss Universe 2025. The international competition will take place in Thailand, where only 11 countries have officially named their candidates so far.
Chelsea Anne Manalo, the reigning Miss Universe Philippines, represented the country in 2024 and earned a spot in the top 30 semifinalists. Her successor will aim to surpass that achievement on the global stage.
The excitement around the MUPH finale has grown steadily as fans eagerly await which of the 66 candidates will emerge as the new queen. With local pageants still ongoing in many countries, all eyes will be on the Philippines to see who will rise as the nation’s next beauty ambassador.
Tickets to the coronation night are already available online at SM Tickets, with thousands expected to attend the glittering event.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.