The Miss Universe Philippines 2025 pageant continues to heat up with the release of the 69 delegates’ photos in their respective evening gowns, with two candidates even sporting a similar design.

“Twinning” in their heavily-embellished white Louis Pangilinan gown were Maiko Ibarde from Benguet and Zoe Gabon from the Filipino community of Virginia, who is carrying Naga City in the competition. The design incorporated an illusion plunging neckline and sheer bottom with layers of fringe.

TWINNING. Maiko Ibarde (left) and Zoe Gabon. MISS UNIVERSE PHILIPPINES PHOTOS

“STUNNING. SOPHISTICATED. SIMPLY ELEGANT. [stars emoji],” the Miss Universe Philippines organization said when it shared the gown gallery on social media on Sunday evening, March 9.

The ladies showcased a variety of designs, from classic silhouettes to avant-garde pieces. Rhinestones and intricate beading has been a staple of pageant wardrobe, as seen in many of the pieces. Different photography techniques were also employed in the images, with some opting for dramatic lighting, while others used a conventional setup.

The frontrunners, as expected, did not fail to deliver. Muntinlupa City’s Teresita Ssen “Winwyn” Marquez was in a voluminous scarlet ball gown by Ryan Ablaza Uson, in an image that appeared to be in motion, similar to her headshot.

Taguig City’s Katrina Llegado was a vision in gold in a creation by the “Ambassador of Philippine Fashion to the World” Renee Salud. The design utilized the designer’s signature use of woven textile. Floral appliques embelished the bodice, and were scattered around the frock, that extended to a long train behind her.

Quezon Province’s Ahtisa Manalo opted for veteran designer Val Taguba this time around. When she joined last year, she wore gowns made by world-renowned Filipino designer Michael Cinco, who also dressed her during her 2018 Miss International stint, and for her Binibining Pilipinas farewell walk. Mak Tumang made her gowns for the 2024 Miss Cosmo pageant.

Yllana Aduana from Siniloan, Laguna, ditched her sultry side to offer a new facet in her personality with a white draped gown devoid of any stones, beads, or sequins.

Sultan Kudarat’s Chelsea Fernandez also opted for a white gown without any sparkly embellishment. The piece, instead, had a cabbage rose on one side of the bodice. A long shawl in a fabric similar to the sheer bottom finished the look.

Former Bb. Pilipinas Chanel Olive Thomas from Nueva Ecija displayed her hour-glass figure in an embellished mermaid-cut piece, while Miss Philippines Earth alumna Karen Nicole Piccio from Iloillo City had fin-like details in her white avant-garde piece. Former Mutya ng Pilipinas Tyra Goldman from Bohol, meanwhile, was sleek in an all-black look.

Veterans (from left) Tyra Goldman, Chanel Olive Thomas, and Karen Nicole Piccio. MISS UNIVERSE PHILIPPINES PHOTOS

But the rookies have also stepped up, and delivered impressive gown portraits. Gwendoline Soriano is sustaining Baguio’s strong showing in the national pageant with her beaded sheer frock, while Quirino’s Bianca Ysabella Rei Olay Ylanan showed impressive balance with one knee up.

Competitive rookies (from left) Gwendoline Soriano, Eloisa Jauod, Alessandra Eugenio, and Bianca Ysabella Rei Olay Ylanan/MISS UNIVERSE PHILIPPINES PHOTOS

Simplicity was the key for international model Eloisa Jauod from Laguna in her asymmetrical blue gown, while Pasig City’s Alessandra Eugenio opted for a classic silhouette in gunmetal fabric.

The Miss Universe Philippines pageant also released the partial results of the online voting for the personality showcase, with Ibarde, Marquez, and Manalo among the five leading ladies. Joining them were Valerie West and Amanda Russo from the United States’ East Coast, but representing Ifugao and Pasay City, respectively, in the national competition.

Voting for the personality showcase ends on March 15, and will be followed by the voting for the Swimsuit Showcase and Runway Showcase. The delegates with the highest number of votes by the end of the polling period will earn guarranteed slots in key segments of the final competition.

Details of the coronation show have yet to be released, but the eventual winner will represent the Philippines in the 74th Miss Universe pageant in Thailand in November.