Filipinos who served as Miss Universe judges

Aiming to inspire people from all walks of life, Miss Universe chooses its judges from various facets of society. Definitely a huge responsibility, the decision they make on who will wear the crown ultimately affects the life of one lucky lady.

Throughout its history, Miss Universe has brought a variety of people, including those from the economic and political world as well as the fashion and entertainment industries. It has also welcomed a number of well-known Filipino personalities.

With the announcement that Filipina businesswoman Olivia Quido will sit as part of the Selection committee for Miss Universe 2022, she becomes the 11th Filipino to have been given such a prestigious opportunity.

As a pageant-obsessed nation that puts our candidates in high regard, it’s pretty understandable to have a Filipino onboard.

Counting down the days before the finals, here is the list of all the Filipinos who judges at Miss Universe.

Filipinos who served as Miss Universe judges

Carlos P. Romulo (Miss Universe 1974)

Occupation: Former President of the United Nations General Assembly.
Pageant Held: Folk Arts Theater, Pasay City, Philippines.
Eventual Winner: Amparo Munoz of Spain.

Josie Cruz Natori (Miss Universe 1989)

Occupation: Fashion Designer
Pageant Held: Fiesta Americana Condesa Hotel, Cancun, Mexico.
Eventual Winner: Angela Visser of the Netherlands.

Here’s a transcript of her introduction:
“President of the Natori Company, her fashion design embodies the craftmanship of her native Philippines and are exported to more than 40 different countries successfully combining the worlds of business and arts.”

Kuh Ledesma (Miss Universe 1991)

Occupation: Singer
Pageant Held: Aladdin Theater for the performing arts (known now as the Zappos Theater), Las Vegas, Nevada.
Eventual Winner: Lupita Jones of Mexico.

Here’s a transcript of her introduction:
“One of Asia’s top recording stars, she sung the sell-out crowds around the world. She’s Asia’s princess of Pop.”

Emilio T. Yap (Miss Universe 1994)

Occupation: Publisher and Business Tycoon.
Pageant Held: Philippine International Convention Center, Pasay City, Philippines.
Eventual Winner: Sushmita Sen of India.

Here’s a transcript of his introduction:
“He is a philanthropist and humanitarian, and chairman of the board of the Philippines’ leading newspaper, the Manila Bulletin.”

Lea Salonga (Miss Universe 2011)

Occupation: Actress and Singer
Pageant Held: Credicard Hall, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Eventual Winner: Leila Lopes of Angola.

Here’s a transcript of his introduction:
“She’s not only a Tony and Olivier award-winning actress for Miss Saigon, she’s also the voice of Princes Jasmine in Aladdin.”

Filipinos who served as Miss Universe judges

Manny Pacquiao (Miss Universe 2014)

Occupation: Professional Boxer and Politician.
Pageant Held: FIU Arena, Doral, Florida.
Eventual Winner: Paulina Vega of Colombia.

Here’s a transcript of her introduction:
“He was named fighter of the decade for the 200s, and the current WBO welterweight champion.”

Pia Wurtzbach (Miss Universe 2017)

Occupation: Actress and former beauty queen.
Pageant Held: The AXIS at Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas, Nevada.
Eventual Winner: Demi-leigh Nel-Peters of South Africa.

Here’s a transcript of her introduction:
“She took the world by storm when she became Miss Universe 2015. From the Philippines, model, and Actress.”

Monique Lhuillier (Miss Universe 2018)

Occupation: Fashion Designer
Pageant Held: Impact Arena, Bangkok Thailand.
Eventual Winner: Catriona Gray of the Philippines.

Here’s a transcript of her introduction:
“World-renowned fashion designer and creative director.”

Richelle Singson-Michael (Miss Universe 2018)

Occupation: Architect and Businesswoman
Pageant Held: Impact Arena, Bangkok Thailand.
Eventual Winner: Catriona Gray of the Philippines.

Here’s a transcript of her introduction:
“Architect and top aviation executive.”

Marian Rivera (Miss Universe 2021)

Occupation: Actress
Pageant Held: Universe Dome, Eilat, Israel.
Eventual Winner: Harnaaz Sandhu of India.

Here’s a transcript of her introduction:
“She is a recording artist and an award-winning film and television star in the Philippines.”