The organization of Miss Universe Philippines will host the grand finale of Miss Universe Philippines 2020 on 25th October 2020 at Cordillera Convention Hall, Baguio Country Club, Baguio which will be aired on GMA Network at 10:30 AM. The stunning beauties from all over the country will compete for the national crown and an opportunity to represent the Philippines in Miss Universe 2020. Miss Universe Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados of Talisay, Cebu will crown her successor at the end of the event finale.
The preliminary events have officially started and all the divas have been performing their best to mark their standing strong at the competition. Recently, the organization hosted a virtual conversation for the delegates with Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tuniz. Miss Universe Philippines organization uploaded a video showing highlights from Tunzi's video call with its candidates, with the South African beauty queen revealing that she was supposed to be in the Philippines for the national pageant.
Zozi mentioned, “So sad that I can't be there in person because I was supposed to be there initially," she said. "But I think having this opportunity right now to sit here and have this chat, I think it's incredible.” She congratulated everyone for their performance till now and asked them to be proud of themselves for coming this far keeping the pandemic on mind. She mentioned that she is very proud of everyone who have worked hard and are putting their best foot forward for the competition.
Kimberly Hakenson representing Cavite spoke to Zozi and stated, "You broke the status quo, you broke the typical beauty queen mold. I just really want to thank you for doing that. You are amazing. You inspire me so much, and I never had this much confidence before, with short hair, to join a pageant.” Kimberly recently came out as a bisexual at the close interview round after which she was appreciated by everyone across the world for being so strong and proud of who she is. Zozi replied to her with so much love mentioning, "I love that you said you got that confidence because beauty comes in all shapes, forms, and sizes. I feel it should be celebrated."
Some of the divas asked the queen on how her reign has been which we all was not easy due to the pandemic but Zozi has always kept her spirits high and mentioned that it has been challenging. “I think this time has been challenging for all of us, really. I think nobody expected this to happen, nobody saw it coming. So, we kind of all had to quickly adjust to what's happening,” she added. Zozi added that she quickly found her feet and can’t thank technology enough for providing platform where we can go virtual and carry on with the activities or advocacies, she grabbed onto it. 'Listen, just because there's a pandemic, it doesn't mean the dream has stopped,’ has been her goal.
Other curious divas asked the reigning queen about some tips on staying motivated and on track throughout the pageant to which she answered, “Mind your own lane, that's what I always tell people. If you keep looking left, right, center, up, and down, you'll be distracted so much. So that would be my biggest advice."
She went on to remind the MUP candidates to stay true to themselves and not copy what their predecessors have achieved.
"Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gary is amazing, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach is amazing, Miss Universe Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados is amazing. But I'm pretty sure that Miss Universe Philippines is not looking for those people because they already had those people. They're looking for you, your unique you," she stressed as she tried to explain to the aspiring Miss Universe Philippines that they should not copy what their predecessors have been doing.
Lastly, she added that they should let them shine as they are and not try to be the ones they look up to because this journey is yours and not theirs. “And nobody can do a better job at being you more than yourself," she added.