Bianca Ysabella Ylanan had just earned a degree in Laboratory Medicine from the University of Tasmania in Australia when she was invited late last year to represent her home province of Quirino at the Miss Universe Philippines 2025 pageant.
The 25-year-old from Maddela, Quirino, seized the opportunity, feeling a strong calling to return to the Philippines, where her training could better serve those in need, particularly in her hometown. Ylanan is an accredited practitioner at the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists.
Competing in her first pageant, Ylanan—who bears a resemblance to Miss World 1968 fourth runner-up Cecilia Amabuyok and Miss World 1970 top 15 semi-finalist Minerva Cagatao—advocates for better healthcare access.
She notes that Quirino has only one provincial hospital and a single dialysis center. She plans to pursue further studies to become either a medical doctor or a microbiologist in the future.
“To represent the Filipinos is a very big responsibility. To be the next Miss Universe Philippines, I think I could bring a truly fresh perspective, not only to the Philippines but to the whole universe,” said the candidate from the Forest Heartland of Cagayan.
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Beauty queens and celebrities gathered for the launch of ABU (All ‘Bout Under), a new foaming anal wash designed to promote better hygiene and comfort, at Yes Please Bar in BGC, Taguig.
Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi, now signed with Viva Artists Agency, wore a tiger-print top and blue jeans. She was joined by Miss Supranational Asia and Oceania 2024 Alethea Ambrosio and Miss Aura International 2024 first runner-up Isabelle Delos Santos.
Miss Universe Philippines 2025 candidate Maria Katrina Llegado turned heads in a white bare-midriff mini dress, while fellow contestant Zoe Gabon opted for a body-hugging strapless blue outfit.
Also in attendance were Mister Global 2024 Daumier Corilla and Manhunt International 2024 Kevin Dasom, along with Mister Pilipinas Worldwide 2025 delegates Kirk Bondad, Jether Palomo, and Kenneth Marcelino.
Actor-model and GMA artist Max Collins shared her personal bum-care routine as a mother, while drag queen Matilduh of Drag Den Philippines Season 2 closed the event with a performance. The launch was organized by ABU founder Christian Abulencia.