Breaking the mold: Miss Universe Philippines candidates, aspirants who have defied norms

MANILA, Philippines – Universe, are you ready for them? 

In 2012, the Miss Universe organization began welcoming transgender candidates, with Spain’s Angela Ponce being the first to transgender woman in history to compete at the international pageant’s 2018 edition.

In 2022, over 70 years after its inception, the organization made history anew by announcing that the 2023 edition of the pageant would be open to mothers and wives. The removal of the age limit was then applied to the 2024 competition — another step towards inclusivity.

Here are some Filipina beauty queens who are rewriting the rules and defying decades-long standards in the Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) scene.

Keylyn Trajano, Miss Universe Philippines – Pampanga 2025

MUPH-Pampanga officially unveiled the 16 candidates vying for the crown and the chance to represent the province in Miss Universe Philippines 2025 on November 19. One of them is Keylyn Trajano, a transgender woman hailing from Siñura, municipality of Porac. 

Trajano made history as the first transgender woman to compete in MUPH-Pampanga. MUPH-Pampanga describes her as a “successful model, entrepreneur, and advocate who champions inclusivity, diversity, and empowerment.”

“I have been constantly told to stop breaking the system, have been rejected numerous times and finally I am here! I guess Ms. Key never gives up, no? A lot of people [have] given up on my delusions and aspirations, but what kept me going is myself! I vowed to myself to never stop until you reach your goal and my goal is to simply be a voice of change and hope. I know my purpose and that is to be a beauty queen with a true purpose,” Trajano wrote in an Instagram post when the news broke out.

Clare Dacanay, Miss Universe Philippines – Parañaque 2023

In 2023, three Pinays became the first mothers to compete in Miss Universe Philippines, and one of them was Clariele “Clare” Dacanay.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Dacanay — who is also an interior designer and model — shared that she immediately entered the competition despite having no prior experience in joining beauty pageants. “I wanted to show my daughter the value and importance to never hold back your dreams,” the representative from Parañaque shared.

Reflecting on her MUPH run, Dacanay took to social media to share that she was driven by her desire to make a difference.

“I knew I had achieved my goal: to show that mothers belong in the pageant world as beautiful, confident, and powerful women.” she wrote in an Instagram post.

Pearl Gonzales, Miss Universe Philippines – Quezon City 2023

Sharing a similar story is Pearl Gonzales (then known as Eileen Gonzales), a single mom who represented Quezon City and made history as the first-ever mother to be crowned as Miss Global Philippines in 2018. 

“Do it for you. Do it for that little mini me, that little girl who was so full of life, confidence, strength and belief in herself. That little girl who never gave up, but tried and tried again until she reached her goals. Let the season of transition refine and mold you in beautiful and challenging ways.” Gonzales shared on Instagram after she concluded her MUPH stint.

Joemay-An Leo, Miss Universe Philippines – Benguet 2023 

A proud Igorota and another empowering mother from the same batch is Benguet’s Joemay-An Leo. In an interview video alongside the other moms in vying for the crown, Leo shared that it took a lot of strength and dedication for her to juggle her roles as a beauty queen, mom, and wife. She also highlighted her desire to break the stigma by joining the pageant as a mother.

Leo is often seen donning outfits that feature textiles from Benguet, allowing her to showcase her cultural advocacy and express her goal to help provide more opportunities for fellow Igorots.

Jocelyn Cubales, Miss Universe Philippines – Quezon City 2024 candidate

The following year, Jocelyn Cubales, a 69-year-old fashion designer, along with 14 other beauty queens representing Quezon City, made history as the first-ever senior citizen candidate to compete in Miss Universe Philippines – Quezon City.

Despite not making it to the national stage, Cubales’ entry into the competition is a testament to the saying that you’re never too old to chase your dreams.

Bonus: Chelsea Manalo, Miss Universe Philippines 2024

The same year, alongside Cubales’ historic appearance in the local pageant, Chelsea Manalo bested 52 other candidates and became the first half-black, half-Filipino to win the title and represent the Philippines on the global stage, making it to the Top 30.

Chelsea Manalo also made history as the first-ever Miss Universe Asia, following the organization’s announcement during the press conference after the Miss Universe 2024 pageant, where they introduced the new continental queens.

These queens fight not only for the crown, but for a spot that allows them to serve as transformative representations of all forms of beauty at any age, SOGIE, and walk of life. – with reports from Zach Dayrit/Rappler.com

Zach Dayrit is a Rappler intern studying BS Psychology at the Ateneo de Manila University.