Maria Gigante of the Philippines is Universal Woman 2024. Photo from Universal Woman's official Facebook page.

The Philippines’ Maria Gigante was crowned Universal Woman 2024 in the pageant’s coronation night Friday in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

The 30-year-old Gigante, who hails from Cebu, also won the Social Media Award.

In the question and answer portion, the top 5 finalists were asked the question: “What does a Universal Woman mean to you?”

“To me, Universal Woman means the future. I learned from working with this organization that I want to live in a world that is filled with respect and collaboration. One that encourages us to step into our differences instead of ignoring them. And learn to harness them in order affect positive social change. I want to be in this organization because I feel that I am not alone. I am one in an army of women who are ready and willing to make a difference. To support a world that is not only sustainable, but that stands for economic progress, and positive, inclusive, social impact. If you are here tonight, welcome to the new era of beauty,” Gigante said.

Lisandra Chirinos of Venezuela is the 1st runner-up, while Elisa Mysyshyne is the 2nd runner-up.

Cambodia’s Brianna Mai is the 3rd runner-up, and Chabeli Peña is the 4th runner-up.

Prior to joining Universal Woman 2024, Gigante joined the Miss World Philippines Competition in 2022.

According to its official website, Universal Woman is a “platform that champions the unique brilliance and beauty of women making a positive impact in the world today.”

The pageant also allows women aged 25 to 45 to join the competition, without any restrictions on height, weight and marital status.- with reports from Rose Carmelle Lacuata and Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News