LIFESTYLE AND LEISURE

By Jun Bragais 

The 2025 competition leaned heavily into advocacy storytelling, giving audiences around the world a deeper glimpse into the purpose-driven hearts of the contenders.

From climate resilience and indigenous rights to women’s mental health initiatives, each delegate brought a cause that resonated far beyond the runway.

The Philippines’ candidate, whose poise and narrative stood out among the crowd, earned praise for championing the economic empowerment of Filipino women in the countryside—a message that struck a chord with global viewers.

One of the evening’s most electrifying moments came during the National Costume segment, where colors, movement, and cultural pride exploded across the stage. A few costumes quickly went viral, including Southeast Asia’s majestic bird-inspired ensembles and Latin America’s modern reinterpretations of ancient mythology.

The Philippines once again trended worldwide with a dramatic LED-lit creation honoring “The Pearl of the Orient”—a fusion of folklore, marine biodiversity, and contemporary art.

The final moments were as emotional as they were historic. After a nail-biting round of Q&A that spotlighted intelligence and diplomacy under pressure, the new Miss Universe was crowned amid thunderous applause. Her victory speech—focused on using visibility for global unity and women’s rights—won admiration across continents.

For Filipino pageant fans, long known as some of the most passionate supporters in the world, it was another year of electric energy online, from live-watch parties to trending hashtags celebrating the Pinay contender’s impressive run.

More than just a spectacle, this year’s pageant reaffirmed why Miss Universe remains a cultural force. It served as a platform for meaningful dialogue, global representation, and the celebration of diverse beauty in a rapidly changing world.

As the curtain closes on Miss Universe 2025, fans from the Philippines to Latin America and beyond are already looking forward to the next chapter—proving once again that the universe of pageantry continues to shine, evolve, and inspire.

The Miss Universe 2025 stage in Mexico City shimmered with the kind of glamour and global energy only the world’s most prestigious beauty pageant can summon. But beyond the crowns, gowns, and dazzling lights were the moments—unexpected, emotional, and powerful—that transformed this year’s competition into one of the most talked-about editions in recent years.