Thirty-eight (38) confidently beautiful women from different parts of the country vied for the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 crown. The MUPH’s coronation night was held on Saturday, May 13, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

From 18, only the Final 5 moved on to the most exciting round of the competition – the two-part Question and Answer portion – and they were Miss Baguio City, Pampanga, Bohol, Zambales and Makati City.

Pageant host Xian Lim gave them the “Ultimate Question,” which read: “Recently, the Department of Tourism has adapted a new branding campaign: “We give the world our best.” For you, what is the best that we could offer to the rest of the world? Why do you consider it so?”

And here are their responses:

Miss Baguio City: “Having to struggle at a very early age, I had uncertainties but I received kindness a lot of times. So now, aside from it’s free, I give kindness to everyone because this kindness can go a long way, can motivate someone, can give radiance to their days. Because this kindness also made me transform myself from a woman who had nothing to a lady that has the universe in her doorstep.”

Miss Pampanga: “I come here not just sharing my story, but the multitude of stories that we have yet to hear, especially for those who are struggling in mental health. I believe that the best that we could do and we could share is to remember and to remind everyone the humanity in us. The empathy that have been inside of us all along and to unlock it so that we could provide more humanity in humanity. The best way to share that is to allow people safe spaces for mental health so we could further this advocacy and more.”

Miss Bohol: “The best that we offer to the world is the Filipino warmth. It is something that we feel in other countries if we see other Filipino communities. But it is something that we feel even more evidently here in the Philippines. And with this slogan at heart, with this value within us, we’ll be able to bring so many people together to make a meaningful change out there and show them the best that the Philippines has to offer.”

Miss Zambales: “The best that we can give to this world is to be of good cause, to find our purpose, to wake up every single day being grateful that we still have the chance to live and to see the beauty of life, to find your purpose and make something out of it. To create a great change for the people around you, yourself, your family, and your community. And I hope, we strive for betterment and development of each and every individual.”

Miss Makati City: “The Philippines is home to very beautiful natural resources – from the beaches, the mountains. But I firmly believe that the best natural resource that the Philippines has is us Filipinos. We are the true heart and soul of the Philippines. The way we are hospitable, the warm smiles. And we are the reason why the world keeps coming back for more. No matter where the universe takes me, I will always be proud to call the Philippines my home. And no matter what happens, I will always be proud to call myself Pinoy.”

Relive the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Coronation Night and catch the replay HERE