MANILA  — One step closer to the crown. The Miss Universe Philippines on Wednesday named the top five finalists who battled out in the question and answer portion.

Here's how the aspirants fared in the Q&A portion with the question.

Women learn from each other, what is the biggest lesson that you've learned from another woman and how did it improve your life? 

Ahtisa Manalo-Quezon Province: "My grandmother put me through school and the biggest lesson I have learned from her is to always be kind. She is someone who has a big heart and took care of me since I was a kid. And I do think that my grandmother is someone that I can look up to she is someone that is a embodiment of what a great woman is. Thank you."

Ahtisa Manalo is Miss Cosmo Philippines 2024; Iloilo's Alexie Brooks is Miss Eco International PH 2025

What is your breakthrough or big achievement and how did it improve you as a person? 

Tarah Valencia - Baguio: "Being here in this prestigious pageant or the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 is my greatest achievement. The Tara before was someone who limits herself when it comes to her achievements. When I stepped here in the Miss Universe Philippines and I see the transformation, the improvement, and how I was able become an inspirational woman that I am now. And that is someone, something that I would be proud after this journey. Thank You."    

Baguio's bet is Miss Supranational PH 2025; Pampanga candidate gets Miss Charm PH 2025

Women have admired you all throughout your life, now tell us about how you would inspire another woman.

Stacey Daniella Gabriel - Cainta:  "I have been told many times that I am too short to join a beauty pageant. But now I realize that pageants are a representation or reflection of that very nation. And tonight I am not representing myself but every Filipina woman who sees themselves in me. I hope to inspire every Filipina that, just like the universe, we too are limitless."  

You are beautiful and confident, how will you use these qualities to empower others? 

Chelsea Manalo - Bulacan: "As a woman of color, I have always faced challenges in my life. I was told that beauty has standards, actually. But for me, I have listened and always believed in my mother to always believe in yourself, and uphold the values that you have in yourself because of this I am already influencing a lot of you facing me right now as a transformational woman. I have here 52 other delegates with me who have helped me be the woman that I am. Thank 'you." 

Bulacan's Chelsea Manalo to represent PH at Miss Universe 2024

What is the biggest challenge you face as a Filipina and what do you do to hurdle the challenge? 

Christi McGarry - Taguig: "I think one of the biggest challenges that a Filipina faces today is being limited by still being shadowed by, unfortunately, men or a society. But, I think my platform and me standing here in front of you today, I can encourage women that you too can stand up. You can be strong, you can be powerful, you can own your own destiny like I plan to tonight."