MANILA – Days after revealing its first batch of candidates, Miss Universe Philippines (MUP) gave an inside look at its screening process.

Both new faces and familiar names showed up at Empire Studios in Taguig for the MUP final screening, as seen in an “all access” video released early this week.

Among those interviewed by host Brian Gocheco were Riana Pangindian of Pasig City, Sandra Lemonon of Taguig City, Michele Gumabao of Quezon City, Ysabella Ysmael of Parañaque City, Rabiya Mateo of Iloilo City, and Alaiza Malinao of Davao City.

Ysmael, a ballerina, said she hopes to follow in the footsteps of Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach.

“Definitely Pia Wurtzbach, there is no doubt,” she said, when asked to name someone she looks up to in the pageant industry. “I think she’s such a genuine person and you can really see that in the way she expresses herself, the way she stands. I think she just has a big heart and I really hope that I can be like her in the way that I really show who I am in my performance throughout the Miss Universe Philippines 2020 pageant.”

Malinao, a model, for her part, said she decided to try pageantry after being encouraged by her friends and loved ones.

“But I’m always scared kasi as a Miss Universe you have to have a little bit of everything – public speaking skills, leadership skills. Kaya I want to try Miss Universe because I also know that they can hone me into someone that I want to be in the future,” she said.

According to MUP design council head Albert Andrada, the crown will go to a “genuine Filipina” who is “very true to herself, true to her country, and true to her advocacy.”

When asked if they have found someone who fits their requirements during the screening, he happily reported: “Oh yes, lots of them… You can feel that everyone’s true to themselves.”

“So let’s just wait for the finals,” he added, referring to the May 3 coronation event at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Lia Andrea Ramos, MUP’s head of women empowerment and charity committee, similarly praised their first batch of candidates.

“Ang gagaling nilang magsalita. They’re very expressive, they have different backgrounds in terms of career, education. I think it’s going to be a very, very tough competition,” she said.

Watch scenes from the MUP screening below:

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