TRANSCRIPT: Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Top 5 Q&A portion

Q: Trans women athletes are now being allowed to compete in women's sports events in many international competitions. Do you think that this is a step in the right direction? Why or why not?

Miss Baguio, Krishnah Marie Gravidez: I am all for equality with all genders. And I believe that we have the right to participate in any sports. However, I believe that there's a biological reason that we should not allow chance women in a woman category, because I believe that there's a right time for that and there's right measurements to be done. Thank you.

Q: There were calls by some sectors to ban movies and TV shows that portray the Philippines in a bad light. Should we Why or why not?

Miss Pampanga, Angelique Manto: I believe that in every aspect, there are two things there are the good and the bad. But it's in the matter of how we receive the images that we are sharing about the Philippines. We always share the good the beauty there is in the Philippines but we must also accept that in every aspect. There's the bad and we must learn and grow from that and improve the country that we are in and hopefully we see Philippines for the good and the bad and celebrate them and allow us to appreciate the country.

Q: There are reports of online sexual exploitation of women and children. As a woman how do we make the digital space safe for you and other women and children

Miss Bohol, Pauline Amelinckx: and make the digital space safe by taking the lead in that action by making sure that what I put out there is the truth and it's also a message of hope for everyone else. And for anyone that finds himself or herself in such a situation. Know that there are people out there who will be able to help you reach out to you and make sure that you will be able to get through this and we can make a difference together

Q: Recent Goldman Sachs study found that artificial intelligence tools or AI could impact 300 million full time jobs worldwide, which could lead to a significant disruption in the job market. What do you think of this?

Miss Zambales, Christine Opiaza: We are moving forward workers. But change is not always about progress. We have to consider that our breeding pool self the economic development of each every country. We have to put importance in each and every person making their crops be sin in each in every aspect in the country. So we have to balance the AI and also the importance of having manpower.

Q: Income inequality is still high in the Philippines. The gap between the rich and the poor remains How do we close that gap?

Miss Makati, Michelle Dee: I think first we have to recognize what we have and the privileges that we have, such as food, education, and homes. I think the best way to address this is really through education because education holds no status quo and every Filipino child has the right to an education but not any education but quality education. Because I believe if the government can provide this to every Filipino child, then we can not only elevate their quality of life, but we can empower them as well.

For the second round, the ladies were asked: "Recently, the Department of Tourism has adopted a new branding campaign: 'We give the world our best for you.' What is the best that we could offer to the rest of the world? Why do you consider it so?"

Here's how they answered:

Miss Baguio: Having to struggle at a very early age, I had uncertainties, but I received kindness a lot of times. So now, aside from it's free, I give kindness to everyone, because this kindness can go a long way can motivate someone or can give radiance to their days because this kind of also made me transform myself from a woman who had nothing to a lady that has the universe in her doorstep.

Miss Pampanga: I come here, not just sharing my story but the multitude of stories that we have yet to hear, especially for those who are struggling in mental health. I believe the best that we could do and we could share is to remember and to remind everyone of the humanity in us the empathy that have been inside of us all along and to unlock it so that we could provide more humanity in humanity. The best way to share that is to allow people spaces for mental health. So we could further this advocacy and more. Thank you.

Miss Bohol: The best that we offer to the world is the Filipino warmth. It is something that we feel in other countries when we see other Filipino communities but it's something we feel even more evidently here in the Philippines. And with this slogan at heart with this value within us, we'll be able to bring so many people together to make a meaningful change out there and show them the best the Philippines has to offer.

Miss Zambales: The best that we can give to this world is to be of good cause, to find our purpose, to wake up every single day. Be grateful that you still have the chance to lead and to see the beauty of life to find your purpose and make something out of it to create a great change for people around you, yourself, your family and your community. And I hope we strive for betterment and development of each and every individual.

Miss Makati: The Philippines is home to very beautiful natural resources—from the beaches, the mountains, but I firmly believe that the best natural resource that the Philippines has is us Filipinos. We are the true heart and soul of the Philippines—with the way we are hospitable, with the warm smiles. And we are the reason why the world keeps coming back for more. No matter where the universe takes me, I will always be proud to call the Philippines my home. And no matter what happens, I will always be proud to call myself Pinoy.