The Philippines is gearing up to make its mark at the second edition of the Universal Woman pageant, sending Maria Gigante, a distinguished figure in the national pageantry scene, to represent the country. Gigante’s selection was facilitated by the ALV Pageant Circle, led by Arnold Vegafria, who is known for organizing prominent beauty contests such as Miss World Philippines and Miss Grand Philippines.
The Universal Woman pageant stands out for its inclusive criteria, welcoming contestants aged 25 to 45, without imposing restrictions based on height, weight, or marital status. This initiative aims to celebrate diversity and provide a platform for women from various backgrounds to share their stories and advocacies. The inaugural event saw Valentina Sanchez from Venezuela claim the title among 23 participants in Dubai, UAE, highlighting the contest’s global appeal.
Maria Gigante, hailing from Cebu, brings a wealth of experience to the table, having competed in Binibining Pilipinas, Miss World Philippines, and the inaugural Binibining Cebu, where she was crowned Binibining Cebu-Charity. Her journey reflects her commitment to advocating for the Filipino identity, emphasizing the unique cultural and geographical traits that unite and define the Philippine archipelago.
The upcoming pageant is scheduled to take place in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, with around 30 contestants from around the world vying for the crown. The winner will not only succeed Valentina Sanchez but will also be awarded a $100,000 prize, underscoring the event’s significance in the pageantry world. Gigante’s participation is a testament to the Philippines’ robust presence in international beauty contests, reinforcing its status as a pageantry powerhouse.