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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Celebrities devider Philippines bet Maria S. Gigante wins Universal Woman 2024 pageant in Cambodia

Philippines bet Maria S. Gigante wins Universal Woman 2024 pageant in Cambodia

Published Mar 23, 2024 12:22 am

At A Glance

  • Gigante, 29, bested 47 candidates in the competition which highlights philanthropy for women and children.
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Maria Gigante takes her first walk as Universal Woman 2024 during a competition held in Cambodia on Friday, March 22. (Screengrab from YouTube)

Miss Philippines Maria S. Gigante was crowned Universal Woman 2024 during a competition held in Cambodia on Friday, March 22.

Gigante, 29, bested 47 candidates in the competition which highlights philanthropy for women and children.

Other winners were Lisandra Chirinos, Venezuela, first runner-up; Elisa Mysyshyne, France, second runner-up; Brianna Mai, Cambodia, third runner-up; and Tavera Pena Chabelli, Dominican Republic, fourth runner-up.

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LAST TWO STANDING: Miss Venezuela (left) and Miss Philippines

During the final round, the 5'8 tall beauty queen impressed the judges with her final speech on "What Universal Woman means to you."

Gigante said: "To me, Universal Woman is the future. I learned in 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 to affect positive social change. 
 

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Maria Gigante (Facebook)

"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 transfers economic progress and positive, inclusive social impact. If you are here tonight, welcome to the new era of beauty," said Gigante.

A veteran of pageants in the Philippines, Gigante was a finalist in Miss World Philippines 202. She also excels as a model, food stylist, host, and entrepreneur.

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Gigante finished philosophy at the University of San Carlos in Cebu City in 2014. She is also a volunteer for the Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation.

The Universal Woman pageant is open to delegates aged 25 to 45. Height, weight, or marital status are not requirements for the competition.

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