Irma Bitzer (left), Danny Booc (center), and Jocelyn Tagulao (right) are the accredited partners and franchise holders of Miss Universe Philippines -Cebu. CDN Digital photo | Rashe Zoe Sophia Piquero
CEBU CITY, Philippines – The much-awaited Miss Universe Philippines-Cebu has finally unveiled its glory and grandeur!
The accredited partners and franchise holders of Miss Universe Philippines-Cebu have officially marked its launch on October 18, in the Mediterranean Ballroom at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.
READ MORE: Cebu City’s Beatrice Luigi Gomez is Miss Universe Philippines 2021
Jocelyn Tagulao, Irma Bitzer, and Danny Booc delivered their groundbreaking plans for the highly anticipated Miss Universe-Cebu, slated to take the stage on February 3, 2024.
‘Stay tuned for real-time updates from the Miss Universe 2023 event!’
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Miss Universe new program
It can been recalled that the Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) organization has implemented a new program where all Miss Universe pageant candidates will be sent by accredited partners who have the authority to proclaim representatives from different cities, towns, provinces, and even overseas communities to the national contest.
With the new program, the MUPH organization will no longer screen the candidates, nor will there be any application procedures outside the “Accredited Partnership Program.”
READ MORE: FACES OF CEBU: Dianne Padillo, 27, Miss Universe Philippines-Cebu City
During the press conference, Booc announced that they get to franchise Cebu province, Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, and Mandaue City.
Toledo City, on the other hand, has another different franchise.
“There are four titles, but apparently we might be sending five delegates to Manila to compete for the national pageant,” Booc revealed.
Miss Universe now open for all ages
Irma Bitzer disclosed that the upcoming Miss Universe Phillipines-Cebu is open for all ages 18 and above, which for her, became “more empowering” to women.
“Anybody can be empowered. Everybody is given the chance to do something,” she expressed.
Bitzer further stated that the Miss Universe Philippines – Cebu is currently prioritizing the opportunity for all women to have a chance to showcase their beauty and talent, regardless of age.
READ MORE: FACES OF CEBU: Clare Inso, 24, Miss Universe Philippines 2023 candidate
It doesn’t matter if they are older, as long as they possess the necessary qualities to succeed on a national and international stage, she added.
“There will be single mothers and married women,” Bitzer announced.
Cebu province is composed of 44 municipalities, but the franchise holders have set their sights even higher, with a goal of selecting at least 50 exceptional candidates to contend in the prestigious event.
Miss Universe online applications
The organization will start accepting online applications on October 22 and will begin their four sets of screenings early in November.
“We have screening for Cebu City, North, South, and West,” Booc said.
For years, Cebu province has reigned as the ultimate powerhouse of beauty queens, producing a multitude of stunning and accomplished women who have excelled in various prestigious pageants.
READ MORE: Cebuana beauty Lou Dominique Piczon to represent Cebu Province in Miss Universe Philippines 2022
And to continue its winning streak, Bitzer promised to maintain their victorious record by collaborating with established groups and personalities, guaranteeing that every candidate will contribute to elevating the beauty standards in Cebu.
“Miss Universe is not really looking at the beauty physically, but we are now focusing on the total package of the candidate. [They] have to be advocacy-driven,” Bitzer said.
Former beauty pageant winners who remain eligible are also permitted to participate in the contest.
Currently, the prerequisite for joining MUPH-Cebu is that the candidate must be a resident of Cebu, regardless of nationality or ethnicity.
