Shawntel Michole Cruz, 26, of Benguet, Philippines is one of the 30 Miss Universe Philippines 2022 semifinalists. One of her possible competitors is Ghenesis Padilla-Dalayday Latugat, 22, who is representing Baguio City, Philippines.

Baguio City is geographically located within Benguet. However, the city is governmentally independent from the province.

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Miss Universe Philippines 2022

From 50 candidates, only 30 will be selected to compete in the coronation night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines on April 30, 2022. The winner has big shoes to fill because if she is unplaced at Miss Universe 2022, it will end the Philippines’ 12-year winning streak in Miss Universe.

Beatrice Luigi Gomez, 27, of Cebu City, Philippines was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2021 at the Henann Resort Convention Center in Alona Beach in Panglao, Bohol, Philippines on September 30, 2021. She finished in the Top 5 at Miss Universe 2021 at the Universe Dome in Eilat, Israel on December 13, 2021.

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Shawntel Cruz

Cruz is an actress, a singer, a model and a social media influencer. In 2021, she released a single titled “Sana’y Damhin“.

On September 3, 2017, Cruz represented La Union, Philippines at Miss World Philippines 2017 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. She competed against 34 other candidates and was unplaced.

When Cruz joined “Pinoy Big Brother: Otso“, she entered the camp on the second day, entered the house on the 55th day and was evicted on the 82nd day. The reality show aired on ABS-CBN from November 10, 2018 to August 4, 2019.

Unlike the other 29 Miss Universe Philippines 2022 semifinalists, Cruz made it to the Top 30 by winning The Kumuniverse Selection. She was announced as the winner of the special qualifying round on April 2, 2022.

Miss Universe Philippines 2020

Amid the new coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the inaugural edition of Miss Universe Philippines was held in Baguio City. A total of 46 women competed for the crown including Bea Theresa Maynigo, then 24, who represented the city.

On October 25, 2020, Rabiya Mateo, then 24, of Iloilo City was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2020 at the Cordillera Convention Hall of Baguio Country Club in Baguio City. She finished in the Top 21 at Miss Universe 2020 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida, United States.

Miss Universe’s Armi Kuusela, Zorayda Andam

Armi Helena Kuusela of Finland was 17 years old when she was crowned as the first ever Miss Universe in Long Beach, California, United States on June 28, 1952. Months after her coronation, she visited Baguio City where she met Virgilio “Gil” Hilario, then 25, who became her husband.

Zorayda Ruth Andam of Baguio City was 24 years old when she represented the Philippines at Miss Universe 2001 in Bayamon, Puerto Rico on May 11, 2001. She was unplaced but she was runner-up to the Best in National Costume winner.