In yet another challenge before revealing the top 30, dark horses claim the top spots for the interview challenge held by Miss Universe Philippines 2021.
The competition gets hotter as the coronation night comes closer. While the online challenges usually bear similar results (with fan favorites dominating the top 15), the interview challenge top 7 featured some dark horse beauties who show why they deserve the crown.
The top 50 delegates were tasked to introduced themselves and answer three questions—each within a limited time, 45 seconds for an introduction and 30 seconds for each question. The interview was conducted by Voltaire Tayag, the director of communications for Miss Universe Philippines, with judges Shamcey Supsup, Albert Andrada, Jackie Aquino, Robbie Carmona, and Joee Guilas.
Beauty and brains, here are the top 7 candidates for the interview challenge:
Victoria Velasquez Vincent
Claiming the top spot is this beauty from Cavite, Victoria Velasquez Vincent. An architect and heritage conservationist, this 25-year-old candidate was raised in New Zealand and moved to the Philippines just this year.
Maria Ingrid Teresita P. Santamaria
Hailing from Parañaque, this 25-year-old candidate truly embodies beauty and brains, having graduated Cum Laude from De La Salle University. While she may have had a lot of experience as a corporate professional, Maria Ingrid Santamaria is new to the world of pageantry.
Rousanne Marie Bernos
Undoubtedly one of the fan favorites, Rousanne Marie Bernos proves she deserves a spot in the top 30 with her interview. Representing San Juan City, Bernos has had different roles throughout her life—content creator, entrepreneur, and student, among others—but we can definitely agree that beauty queen suits her.
Isabelle De Los Santos
Isabelle De Los Santos caught the judges’ attention during her interview. A self-proclaimed K-Drama fan from Makati, this candidate is a pageant newbie, with Miss Universe Philippines being the first ever pageant she joined.
Megan Julia Roa Digal
Megan Julia Roa Digal is a 25-year-old candidate representing the province of Bukidnon. Having been an OFW for three years in Phuket, Thailand, she shared some life lessons she’s learned during her interview. As a positive and determined woman, we can see why this beauty is in the top 7.
Beatrice Luigi Gomez
Another candidate from Cebu, Beatrice Luigi Gomez is a 26-year-old who loves sports. She shared that she loves volleyball, scuba diving, and boxing. This beauty is also a proud member of the LGBT+ community, as she shared that she has a long-term girlfriend.
Simone Nadine Bornilla
Not new to the stage, Simone Nadine Bornilla shared that she has done ballet, musical theatre, and choral competitions growing up. With two gay men as her parents, and a pageant sister in India, it seems Simone Nadine Bornilla has a strong support system behind her.
Watch their interviews here.
