Miss Universe Philippines 2023
Miss Universe Philippines 2023 was the fourth edition of the Miss Universe Philippines competition held on May 13, 2023, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Bay City, Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines. Celeste Cortesi of Pasay crowned Michelle Dee of Makati as her successor at the end of the event. Dee will represent the Philippines in the upcoming Miss Universe 2023 competition, set to take place in El Salvador towards the end of the year. Background

Location and date
On March 3, 2023, the organization announced that the coronation would be on May 13, 2023, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Bay City, Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines. The sale of tickets for the coronation night began on April 3, 2023. Selection of participants
On November 7, 2022, the organization launched its search for the next Filipina who would represent the Philippines at the Miss Universe 2023 competition. Online application was initially set until January 29, 2023. However, it was moved twice—first to February 5, 2023, and later to February 14, 2023. On-site application was done from February 13–17, 2023. The final selection and the initial 40 contestants were subsequently named on February 18, 2023. In September 2022, the Miss Universe organization announced changes to its rules, allowing women to join the pageant regardless of marital status, beginning in 2023. The national pageant followed suit, opening its applications to Filipino citizens aged 18 to 27, regardless of the applicant's civil status and height. Withdrawals 
Out of the original 40 contestants, Miss Pangasinan, Evangeline Fuentes, withdrew from the competition due to health concerns after being announced as part of the Top 40. As a result, the organization decided to include Miss Apayao, Kristeen Mae Boccang, as a replacement for Fuentes among the official Top 40 candidates. Dianne Mae Refugio from Davao del Norte and Breanna Marie Evans from Mandaue had withdrawn from the competition for undisclosed reasons. New titles
The Miss Universe Philippines Organization teased the addition of two new titles in this edition, which received polarized reactions on social media. On February 21, 2023, Anne Jakrajutatip, the owner of the Miss Universe Organization, stated her preference for each country's delegate to be selected through a separate local pageant. This announcement led to speculation about whether it would have any impact on the plans of the local organization for the new titles. Ultimately, the additional titles were not crowned on the coronation night, as they were under the EmpirePH organization. However, in the morning following the coronation night, finalists Pauline Amelinckx and Krishnah Marie Gravidez were appointed Miss Supranational Philippines 2023 and Miss Charm Philippines 2024 respectively, in a program held at the Okada Manila. They are set to represent the country in the Miss Supranational 2023 pageant, to be held at Nowy Sącz, Małopolska, Poland; and the Miss Charm 2024 pageant respectively. Results

Placements 

§ – Smilee Casting Fan Vote winner 
‡ – Challenge winners

Appointments
In a separate ceremony after the coronation, two finalists were appointed to represent the Philippines on the following pageants:

Special awards

Major awards

Sponsor awards

Pageant

Pre-pageant activities 
In the run-up to the coronation night, the Top 38 contestants competed in various challenges to compete for a spot in the finals. The winners of each challenge were determined by a public vote and were announced during the coronation night, securing their place in the Top 18. The voting period for each challenge lasted six days, starting with the photoshoot challenge on April 3, 2023, followed by the swimsuit challenge on April 10, 2023, and concluding with the Jojo Bragais runway challenge on April 24, 2023, which was adjusted following the extension of the voting period from the previous challenge. On May 7, the casting challenge was later held in addition to the previously announced challenges, where the winner was guaranteed a spot as a semifinalist. National Costume competition 
The national costume competition was held at the Leyte Normal University in Tacloban, Leyte, Philippines on May 4, 2023. The theme of this edition's national costume competition was "ani" (harvest), which pays homage to the rich history and traditions of Filipino farming communities. The event was hosted by Miss Universe Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados and actor Marco Gumabao. At the end of the event, the Top 3 for the Tingog ng Filipina and the Best in National Costume awards were revealed. Preliminary competition 
The preliminary interview, swimsuit, and evening gown competition were held at the grand ballroom of the Okada Manila in Parañaque, Metro Manila, Philippines on May 10, 2023. The event was hosted by Miss World Philippines 2022 finalist Erika Kristensen and host, singer-songwriter Jasper Tiongson. Final program
On March 3, 2023, the organization confirmed that the coronation night would take place on May 13, 2023, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Bay City, Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines. On March 24, 2023, the organization announced that South Korean singer, songwriter, and actor, Nam Woo-hyun, a member of Infinite, would be performing on the coronation night. On April 11, 2023, the organization announced that Filipino-American singer Jessica Sanchez would also be performing on the coronation night. During the press presentation held on April 11, 2023, the organization revealed that Xian Lim and Alden Richards would host the coronation night. TV and radio host Tim Yap and The Miss Globe 2021 Maureen Montagne would serve as backstage hosts, while Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi would appear as guest host. Controversy 
Following an extended 30-minute commercial break following the announcement of the Top 10, host Xian Lim announced that the previously announced results would be reverted due to technical difficulties from the pageant's tabulation system. As a result, the entire Top 18 competed in the evening gown competition, as well for as a spot in the Top 5. The sudden announcement received flak from social media, particularly due to a lack of transparency on the pageant's selection mechanics. Selection committee
The judges for both the preliminary competition and the finale determined the results alongside a public vote. This year's judges included:
Lyn Lee – Managing Director of Smilee Apparel
Tonee Charmagne Co Hang – CFO of Aqua Boracay
Ana Garces – Head of Marketing at Avon Philippines
Annette Gozon-Valdes – GMA Network SVP and GMA Films President and CEO
Sam Verzosa – Congressman
Yedda Marie Romualdez – Congresswoman, Binibining Pilipinas International 1996
R'Bonney Gabriel – Miss Universe 2022 from the United States
Margarita Moran – Miss Universe 1973 from the Philippines
Lloyd Lee – Executive Director of Net Asia Industries Incorporated
Nelda Eufemio – Dentist
Dyan Castillejo – ABS-CBN Sports Correspondent
Marrion Brandellick De Guzman – Chief Marketing Officer of Jewelmer

Contestants 
The following 38 contestants, representing their respective cities or provinces, are competing for the title:

Notes

References

External links
 

2023 beauty pageants
2023 in the Philippines
Beauty pageants in the Philippines
2023