Two Negros Occidental queens are set to represent the province and Bacolod City in the 2025 Miss Universe-Philippines (MUPH) pageant.
Franches Anne Laquibla will represent Negros Occidental and while Louise Lian Enumerable Bobe will bring the sash of Bacolod City, a MUPH press release said Tuesday, Dec. 3.
They are both mothers, it said.
Their journey begins in February as they join the official roster of contestants in Manila, culminating in April when the reigning Miss Universe-Asia, Chelsea Manalo, will pass on her crown.
“This is more than just a competition. It’s a stage for women to break barriers and redefine what it means to be a beauty queen,” Kashmere Granada, the local franchise holder for Miss Universe Philippines Negros Occidental and Bacolod City, said.
Laquibla, 20, is a champion for body diversity, rooted in her personal struggles with societal beauty standards, the press release said.
“I want every girl to know that their value isn’t defined by their appearance,” she said, adding, “Through this platform, I aim to create a space where all body types are celebrated.”
Bobe, 28, advocates for equitable healthcare, financial literacy, and breastfeeding awareness. As a mother and banker, her journey is deeply personal, the press release said.
“My role as a mother has taught me resilience, and I want to inspire other women to pursue their dreams despite life’s challenges,” she said.*