The Miss Bacolod MassKara organization is not sending a candidate to the Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) in 2025, its chairperson Carlos Durana Jr. said on Sunday, Dec.1.
However, they will be sending candidates to other pageants, he said.
“As the chairperson of Miss Bacolod MassKara 2024, I firmly believe that when something is not meant for you, greater opportunities will find their way,” he said.
“With MUPH’s new Accredited Partners Program, anyone can secure a franchise by paying the franchise fee of ₱500,000. Franchise owners can then appoint candidates directly, bypassing traditional screenings,” he said.
“While this streamlines the process, it also opens the field widely, as franchise ownership alone guarantees a candidate’s entry into MUPH,“ he said.
The Miss Bacolod MassKara organization did not secure a franchise.
The organization is not obligated to send representatives to MUPH, he said.
“The Miss Bacolod MassKara organization has always envisioned the pageant as a platform to help mold Bacoleñas into more than just beauty queens, ultimately becoming the ambassadresses of the City of Smiles. Thus, we want to give them the opportunity to grow, be recognized, and bring pride to our city,” Durana said.
“We want them to participate in pageants that require them to go through rigorous but fair screening processes, ensuring that only the most deserving candidates represent their regions and ultimately compete for the crown,” he added.*