READ: What to expect from Miss Universe Philippines

The Miss Universe Philippines organization (MUPh) held a press conference at the Empire Studios in Uptown Mall, Bonifacio Global City to announce exciting details of what to expect from its most anticipated and first ever pageant this 2020.

For the first time in the Philippine pageantry history, the Miss Universe Philippines crown is now in the hands of a new organization with a new set of officials.

With a clean slate and a blank canvas, MUPh divulged its fresh take on this year's big event.

"Well, first of all, I think with our accredited partners, I think that's one big change. Kasi now we're really targeting the girls around the Philippines, not just the girls who are here in Metro Manila,” said Shamcey Supsup-Lee, the National Director of Miss Universe Philippines.

“Mahirap doon sa mga galing sa malalayong lugar to come here and join a pageant. So, its very important now that we have accredited partners that would really support and help them pass their applications and even help them during the whole journey of the pageant.”

The head of women empowerment committee and charity Lia Ramos said that Miss Universe Philippines will focus on developing Filipina leaders.

“This would be a stage for the individual candidates to advance their personal advocacies. Our role is to provide the platform to be able to speak their minds, to equip them, to really make an impact on their communities,” Ramos said.

“This time, we really want women in action,” Shamcey chimed in.

Atty. Nad Bronce, the head of legal affairs, explained why MUPh plans to improve Miss Universe Philippines.

"When we started training in 2001, it always has been innovation as one of our principles.

“Because if you stop at a certain technique and it's no longer updated, they'd really have to change it.

“So now we've seen a lot of changes in Miss Universe, so definitely we are going to have some innovations in the way that we approach and the way that we train our girls.”

Creative Director Jonas Gaffud shed some light on the production format of this year's edition.

"During the course of the pageant from February - when we introduce the candidates - to until March and April, they will be training.

“But I think what's important is for people to know who the candidates are first from the very beginning. And then we will follow their journey.

“We will be out there so people can know the girl more, and will be able to really digest and think of who is the best representative.

“During the finals, of course, they have introductions. And then we'll have their personal introductions, kung sino man ang mapipiling Top 20 or Top 15.

“Then the normal swimsuit and evening gowns [event], and then you have the personal interview, and then the Q&A which is very important.

“I think, also, we need a personal interview because it's nice to have to know the girl onstage and not only offstage.”

Shamcey further detailed MUPh's modifications for the upcoming prestigious pageant.

“Since we are under the umbrella of Miss Universe Organization, we are gonna follow most of their initiatives. Kumbaga, we're not doing this just to have a change or a difference from the other pageants. Were just gonna follow kung ano 'yung magiging direction of the Miss Universe Organization,” said the former Miss Universe Philippines 2011.

“Unlike with Binibini where everybody is included during the screening, this is going to be a private screening. We are just going to announce the official candidates.

“We're also very excited because this is a new pageant. There are so many new things that's gonna happen, even us we're very excited for the changes, and we're looking forward to a very beautiful year with Miss Universe Philippines.”

To mark its new beginning, Miss Universe Philippines will have a new crown this 2020.

According to MUPh, the tentative date and venue for Miss Universe Philippines is on May 3 at the Mall of Asia Arena.