Los Angeles' Hannah Michelle Gilmore withdraws from Miss Universe Philippines 2025
Hannah Michelle Gilmore, the candidate representing the Filipino community of Los Angeles in Miss Universe Philippines 2025, has announced that she is withdrawing from the competition.
"It is with a heavy heart to inform you that I have made the decision to step down and to not compete in the Miss Universe Philippines pageant this year," Gilmore said in a statement posted by The Miss Philippines California Instagram account.
She added, "I truly believe that God's timing is never wrong, and while the time is not right for me to continue in the competition now, I trust that everything happens for a reason and hopefully when it's right, have the opportunity to participate in the future."
The registered nurse also underscored that her experience at MUPH-Los Angeles has been a blessing. She will continue to pursue her passion despite not joining the local pageant this year.
"I am incredibly grateful for the support, love and encouragement from my family, friends, and the entire community."
"Thank you for your understanding, and I'm excited for what the future holds," Gilmore concluded.
In January, Gilmore announced that she is one of the delegates in MUPH 2025 representing the Filipino Community of California, USA, alongside Allyson Ee (Northern California), Kayla Jane Usison (San Francisco), and Taylor Marie Deluna (Southern California).
"For as long as I can remember, I've dreamed of representing the Filipino community on the world stage, and now, that dream is becoming a reality," she wrote.
"I am incredibly proud to announce that I'm officially running for Miss Universe Philippines, representing the beautiful Filipino community of Los Angeles," Gilmore added.
The Miss Universe Philippines 2025 showcased 69 dazzling and empowered women nationwide during the official press presentation last Feb. 15 at Makati Shangri-la.
Among the pageant veterans who joined this year's edition are Miss Earth-Air 2023 Yllana Marie Aduana (Siniloan, Laguna), Reina Hispanoamericana 2017 Teresita Ssen "Winwyn" Marquez (Muntinlupa City), Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Second Runner up and Miss International 2018 First Runner up Ahtisa Manalo (Quezon, Province), Miss Globe 2022 semi-finalist Chelsea Fernandez (Sultan Kudarat), and Reina Hispanoamericana 2019 Fifth Runner up Katrina Llegado (Taguig City), among others.
There were also a handful of fresh faces yet candidates to watch, including Maiko Ibarde (Benguet), Tyra Goldman (Bohol), Jarina Kumari Sandhu (Isabela), Eloisa Jauod (Laguna), Rachel Hoco (Oriental Mindoro), Chella Falconer (Cebu Province), and Gwendoline Soriano (Baguio City), to name a few.
Meanwhile, Miss Universe 2013 third runner-up Ariella Arida was announced as the new National Director for Training and Development for MUPH.
Although there is no word yet on when the coronation night is, Miss Universe Philippines 2024 and reigning Miss Universe Asia Chelsea Manalo will crown her successor in the upcoming pageant.
The new queen will represent the country on the international stage on Nov. 21 at the Impact Muong Thong Thani Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.
