The Philippines’ Maria Gigante averted a potential back-to-back victory for pageant powerhouse Venezuela when she won the second Universal Woman title.

The Bantayan Island, Cebu native was crowned evening on March 23, 2024 during the finals of the pageant’s second edition in Cambodia.

Venezuela’s Lisandra Chirinos is first runner-up while France’s Elisa Mysyshyne is second runner-up. Cambodia’s Brianna Mai is third runner-up and Dominican Republic’s Tavera Pena Chabelli is fourth runner-up.

Gigante earned the right to represent the Philippines after getting appointed Universal Woman Philippines in January 2024.

She said during the finals in Cambodia:

"To me, Universal Woman is the future. I learned in working with this organization that I want to live in a world that is filled with respect and collaboration - one that encourages us to step into our differences instead of ignoring them and learn to harness them in order to affect positive social change. I want to be in this organization because I feel that I am not alone. I am one in an army of women who are ready and willing to make a difference; to support a world that is not only sustainable but that transfers economic progress and positive, inclusive social impact. If you are here tonight, welcome to the new era of beauty."

A host, model, and veteran in beauty pageants, Gigante was among the 11 finalists in Miss World Philippines 2022.

She was also candidate of Binibining Pilipinas and won the Binibining Cebu - Charity title in 2017.

Gigante will work on initiatives that protect women and children from physical and mental abuse through the non-profit organization the Universal Woman organization has chosen to work with.