Miss Universe Philippines 2025 hopeful Gwendoline Soriano from Baguio has revealed a personal battle ahead of coronation night, sharing that she’s been dealing with an eye infection and a flare-up of alopecia.
Just one day before the preliminary competition, Soriano posted an unfiltered look at her swollen eye and a bald patch on her scalp via Instagram. “The past few days, I’ve been struggling… especially with the Preliminaries approaching, when all eyes are on us, expecting us to be ‘flawless,’” she wrote.
Despite the physical and emotional toll, Soriano said the experience deepened her faith and reinforced her belief in embracing imperfections. She chose to appear barefaced during the closed-door interview segment, saying it was a way to preserve her health and stay true to herself.
“It felt risky to go barefaced, but I followed the gentle nudge God placed in my heart… and hoped this move might inspire more girls to embrace their own, unfiltered beauty,” she said in a follow-up post.
Soriano also thanked her supporters for their encouragement and reminded followers: “You’re beautiful, just the way you are.”
At the national costume showcase, Soriano wowed in an ensemble inspired by the mythical Lampong, demonstrating poise and performance despite her recent health challenges.
She joins 65 other candidates vying for the Miss Universe Philippines 2025 crown, with the finals scheduled for Friday, May 2.