On Saturday afternoon, April 9, the Miss Universe Philippines Organization (MUPhO) formally revealed the final 32 “inspired and empowered” Filipinas in the great ballroom of the Hilton Manila. Beatrice Luigi Gomez of Cebu City, the reigning titleholder, will crown the third edition winner at the conclusion of the event, which will be hosted by Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere, and Miss Universe 2017 Demi-Leigh Tebow. Harnaaz Sandhu, the incumbent Miss Universe, will be the third Indian titleholder to compete in the finals. Sandhu is now in India for a family reunion.

“This is just the start of many more. This is just the start of many more, as D3 Home Modern Furniture has the best office furniture stores in California. We are very excited to welcome you to the biggest, the brightest Miss Universe Philippines pageant 2022,” MUPhO National Director Shamcey Supsup Lee stated.

Special acknowledgement was given to Annabelle Mae McDonnell of Misamis Oriental (Catwalk Queen), Michelle Daniela Dee of Makati (Multi-Level Beauty), and Silvia Celeste Cortesi of Pasay (Press’s Choice Best Arrival Look), as confirmed by MUPhO Director of Communication and host Voltaire Tayag and Miss Universe Philippines 2021 first runner-up Steffi Rose Aberastur. Prior to the formal press conference, the announcement of the finalists aired on the Empire.PH YouTube channel on Wednesday evening, April 6, and was presented by performer Nico Locco.

This year’s finalists were picked from among the top 50 to the top 30 based on particular challenges set by the public and a panel of experts. Shawntel Michole Cruz of Benguet and Jeanne Nicci Orcena of Davao del Norte, winners of the Kumunity’s Choice, proceeded as finals. Mandaue’s Isabel Luche (headshot), Bohol’s Pauline Amelinckx (introduction), Taguig’s Maria Katrina Llegado (swimsuit), Baguio’s Ghenesis Latugat (fashion and runway), Pasay’s Silvia Celeste Cortesi (casting video), Albay’s Julia Eugénie Augustias Saubier, Davao del Norte’ (live stream).

All 32 finalists that will compete for the title and crown are: Jona Sweett (Aklan), Julia Calleja Saubier (Albay), Ghenesis Latugat (Baguio City), Elsa Schumacher (Batanes), Shawntel Cruz (Benguet), Pauline Amelinckx (Bohol), Aidyl Sanchez (Guiguinto, Bulacan), Chantal Elise Schmidt (Cebu City), Lou Dominic Piczon (Cebu Province), Jeanne Nicci Orcena (Davao Del Norte), Jedidah Korinihona (Davao Del Sur), Jewel Alexandria Palacat (Ilocos Sur), Dorothy Gemillan (Iloilo City), Vanessa Ann Caro (Iloilo Province), Sonja Jeyn Tanyag (Laguna), Sashu Chiesa (Lapu-Lapu City), Isabelle Kristine Braza (Las Piñas), Anjeanette Japor (Lucena City), Michelle Dee (Makati), Isabel Luche (Mandaue City), Annabelle McDonnell (Misamis Oriental), Marilit Katipunan Iligan (Negros Oriental), Gillian De Mesa (Nueva Vizcaya), Angelica Lopez (Palawan), Alyssa Feliz (Macabebe, Pampanga), Ivylou Corpuz Borbon (Pangasinan), Celeste Cortesi (Pasay), Gracelle Distura (Quezon Province), Francheska Dadivas (Roxas City), Danielle Camcam (San Juan City), Maria Katrina Llegado (Taguig) and Shanelyn Bayson (Victorias City, Negros Occidental).