Filipino mentors to help train Miss Universe candidates

May 25 ------ Filipinos are buzzing with excitement as the Miss Universe pageant approaches, especially after Ahtisa Manalo's recent victory as Miss Universe Philippines 2025. As the pageant draws near, Dubai-based Filipino entrepreneur Josh Yugen has started working on finding candidates to compete alongside Ahtisa. 

Josh Yugen convened with the local press to share the pageants that he's organizing. He is currently the national director for several Miss Universe franchises, including those in Bahrain, Egypt, and Pakistan. Asked how he secured three franchises, he replied: "Two was offered to me. And I said yes. And then one, I really pitched for it because I believe in, you know, Pakistani women." Despite the challenges, Josh says he is fully prepared to take on the responsibility. "So, it's really challenging. I wouldn't disagree with that. But it's part of life. And for me, if you're really happy with it, then go for it. It's very simple." 

JOSH YUGEN: PAGEANT FAN-TURNED-NATIONAL DIRECTOR 

Josh revealed that he has been a longtime fan of pageants, and when the chance to become a national director was presented, he eagerly embraced the role. He told PEP, "I think, like, all Filipinos who loves pageantry. Like, ever since we were young, of course, the gay kids always watch, you know, pageants. "And it makes my heart glow. It makes me bloom, you know, whenever I actually watch pageants." 

While he's aware that pageantry in Bahrain, Egypt and Pakistan isn't as prominent as it is in the Philippines, Venezuela, Thailand, and many others, Josh maintains that he is committed to the task. In his words: "It has become an advocacy for me to help these women to have a platform. "Because, you know, the countries that I'm helping, it's not easy. Because, number one, we don't have sponsors. "These countries, their pageantry, overall, is not famous. Not only Miss Universe, but all the pageants are not famous in this region. 

Source: pep.ph