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The final test of Miss Universe is where everyone holds their breath, weighing which candidates are worthy of the crown. In these crucial moments, poise meets purpose, and the true essence of each queen shines through. This year, a handful of answers not only impressed the judges but also echoed far beyond the stage—words that uplift, empower, and inspire the next generation of dreamers.
The question was, “If you win the title of Miss Universe tonight, how would you use this platform to empower young girls?”
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Olivia Yace, Côte d’Ivoire
“Well, as an ambassador and as Miss Universe, I would want to be the face of representation, of a new generation that mixes culture, that mixes modern and traditional. I want to be the face of a new era of women who are bold, who are leaders, who are unapologetic about who they are. I want to be a role model for young girls and let them know that you, too, can make it. Go in those rooms where you think you don’t belong; shine and make sure you assume your identity.“

Ahtisa Manalo, Philippines
“I work with an organization called Alon Akademie, where we work with young people to provide them opportunities, to make them realize that it doesn’t matter what their life circumstances are. It doesn’t define where you will go. And I want to continue working with Alon Akademie on a bigger platform like Miss Universe to pursue making sure that people who come from low-income backgrounds are given the same opportunities as everyone else.”

Praveenar Singh, Thailand
“I believe that everyone who has been through all the struggles, barriers, anything in life, we can get back up. It’s not about how you fail, but how you rise up. I would encourage you all to be your own hero, to light that light within yourself and light on others. And if we come together, lift each other up, the world will be a much better place. And I encourage you all to never fear. I am standing here as your next Miss Universe, and I hope to be.”

In a night defined by beauty and brilliance, they reminded us that the Miss Universe crown carries responsibility, and that purpose-driven leadership is what elevates a queen. These women championed representation, equal opportunity, and the transformative power of education—and they must believe that their answers resonated beyond the stage. In fact, they will inspire the next generation of young girls to lead with an unshakeable sense of self.
Featured Image and Photos: INTERNATIONAL POLL, BUNDA LATINAS, MISS UNIVERSE PHILIPPINES, VEENA PRAVEENAR (via Instagram)

Moira Del Rosario
Once immersed in fictional writing at UP Diliman, Moira del Rosario eventually traded imagined worlds for the fast-paced landscape of digital media as a Digital Content Writer for MEGA Asia, covering women’s stories across the region alongside the latest in beauty.
They spotlight women shaping culture today through profiles, exclusive features, and roundups on Asian representation at global fashion events. They also write about beauty through a growing lens—covering makeup, skincare, wellness, nails, and fragrance with curiosity and a strong eye for emerging trends.
Having worked in digital media for years, Moira is drawn to stories that beg to be unraveled—from the ever-changing landscape of pop culture and the inner workings of beauty to queer voices that deserve to be seen, celebrated, and championed.
