Miss Universe Philippines 2020 was the first edition of the Miss Universe Philippines pageant under its new organization.[1] Previously, the Philippine franchise for Miss Universe was under Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc.[2] The coronation night was initially scheduled for 3 May 2020. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it moved at least twice; first to 14 June 2020,[3] and later to 25 October 2020, at the Cordillera Convention Hall, Baguio Country Club in Baguio, Benguet.[4][5][6]
Miss Universe Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados crowned Rabiya Mateo of Iloilo City as Miss Universe Philippines 2020.[7][8][9] The competition also featured the debut of the new Filipina crown, crafted by the Villarica family, who is known for running the Villarica Pawnshop.[10][11]
Contestants from forty-six localities competed in this edition. The pageant was hosted by KC Montero.[14]American Idol alumnus Jessica Sanchez and Filipino actors Allen Cecilio, Anjo Damiles, and Kevin Montillano performed as musical guests.[15]
Background
Selection of participants
In December 2019, the organization launched its search for the next Filipina who would represent the Philippines at the Miss Universe 2020 competition.[1] The deadline of the submission of applications was on 18 January 2020, and the screenings were set to take place from 20 January to 24 January, 2020.[16][17]
However, on 25 January 2020, the organization introduced an Accredited Partner Programme, where provinces and cities could send one contestant each locality through an accredited partner.[18][19] Walk-in contestants are still accepted by the organization until 31 January 2020, after which the contestants went through a final screening on 1 February 2020.[20][21] The walk-in contestants who passed the final screening were then adopted by an accredited partner and joined all other contestants that were determined by an accredited partner on 10 February 2020.[18][22][23] On 14 February 2020, the fifty-two contestants of Miss Universe Philippines 2020 were presented during the Red Carpet Presentation at Manila Hotel.[24][25]
Withdrawals
Several contestants withdrew from the pagant due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Vincy Vacalares of Cagayan de Oro and Maria Isabela Galeria of Sorsogon withdrew from the competition after they tested positive for COVID-19.[26][27][28] Princess Marquez of Aurora and Chaira Lyn Markwalder of Leyte withdrew for personal reasons.[29] Angela Aninang of Negros Occidental withdrew to focus on her studies,[30] while Mariam Lara Hamid of Capiz withdrew due to problems with her accredited partner.[29]
Location and date
On 29 January 2020, the organization announced that the coronation will be held on 3 May 2020 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines.[31][32] However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was rescheduled twice; first to 14 June 2020,[33][34] and later to 25 October 2020, at the Cordillera Convention Hall, Baguio Country Club in Baguio, Benguet, Philippines.[4][5][35] Most production materials for the pageant were pre-taped, and the finals night were made available to the public online via pay-per-view streaming.[35][36] The preliminary competition was also filmed at the Baguio Country Club in Baguio, Benguet.[37]
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
An eight-episode web series entitled Ring Light was released on September 27 on Empire.ph and could be viewed for a one-time fee. Marketed as a "fundraising online pageant series", part of the proceeds would be given to the pageants' beneficiaries and partner organizations. The series featured several aspects of the pageant's contestants bid to clinch the Miss Universe Philippines 2020 crown, including their trainings and other behind-the-scenes content.[38][39]
Results
Placements
The Philippine map results of Miss Universe Philippines 2020, colors shaded in each province/cities.
The results of the preliminary competition — which consisted of the swimsuit competition, the evening gown competition, and the closed-door interview determined the first fifteen semi-finalists selected at large. Internet voting was also used, with fans being able to vote for another delegate to advance into the semi-finals through the Lazada Fan Vote.[42]
The sixteen semi-finalists competed in three rounds: question-and-answer, swimsuit and evening gown. The swimwear for the finals was designed by UAE-based couture label Amato Couture by Filipino designer Furne One in collaboration with luxury swimwear Amari Swim.[49][50][51] From sixteen, five finalists were chosen to compete at the final question-and-answer round. Two questions were asked; the first being unique to each candidate and the second is the same question answered by all five finalists.[52] Afterwards, Miss Universe Philippines 2020 and her runners-up were announced.[40]
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