TWO empowered Filipina mothers were chosen to compete in the Mrs. Universe Official pageant this year.
Christine Escalante and Monique Cantalejo Rivera were crowned Mrs. Universe Australasia and Mrs. Universe Asia, respectively, during the finals of Mrs. Universe Australia pageant.
Unable to fly to Australia to compete in the face-to-face pageant due to travel restrictions brought about by Covid-19, Escalante and Rivera joined the coronation night virtually. Prior to the finals, they submitted several pageant requirements such as talent, tourism, long gown and advocacy videos. They also underwent virtual interviews initiated by the organizers headed by Mrs. Universe Australia CEO Maryrose Salubre.
As they were being announced as winners in Australia, their official sashing and crowning were being held simultaneously in Manila.
Escalante was crowned by Ms. L, CEO of LaL’or, Seduction and Hygeia, together with its director Erwina Arguelles. Escalante’s two special awards – Mrs. Universe Ambassador and Mrs. Australasia Official – were handed out by Michelle Lucas and Ms. L.
Rivera, meanwhile, was crowned by Elite Mrs. Philippines International Michelle Vitug Encarnacion together with Binibining Pilipinas 2021 finalist Patrizia Garcia. She also received two special awards – Mrs. Aura Universe and Mrs. Universe Ambassador – given by Bennilyn Amigo-Molina of Aura Wellness and Beauty, Roxanne Velasco of Rox Fragrances & Janna Dominquez of Skinfinite.
The titles of Escalante and Rivera allow them to compete in the 2022 Mrs. Universe Official international pageant scheduled in Australia this September.
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The Miss Universe Philippines Organization has announced that the search for this year’s queens will be held in April.
As early as late last year, pageant fans have been anticipating the likely contenders for this year’s search for the next Pinay to walk on the Miss Universe stage, among them: Steffi Aberasturi, last year’s second runner-up who many believe has an “unfinished business” with MUP; Ahtisa Manalo, Miss International 2018 1st runner-up; Patch Magtanong, Miss International 2019 top 8 finalist; Emma Tiglao, news anchor and Bb. Pilipinas – Intercontinental 2019; and Fil-Am Kelsey Merritt, the first Filipina to take to the runway of the Victoria’s Secret fashion shows.
