Philippines' Karla Manjam wins Miss Uniworld 2023 in Malaysia


Karla Manjam of the Philippines bested over 20 other competitors to win the Miss Uniworld 2023 pageant held last Sunday, June 11 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The 17-year-old Filipino-Puerto Rican beauty from Laguna became the first representative from her country to win the international title. She also bagged the Best Catwalk award.

Latvia's Anastasija Aleksejevska was named first runner-up while Makuna Amashukeli of Georgia, Viktoria Lizo of Germany, and Sezen Destina of Turkey were announced the second, third, and fourth runners-up, respectively.

Prior to her historic win for her country, the new Miss Uniworld was officially proclaimed as Miss Uniworld Philippines late last month.

"She embodies the resilience and spirit of the Filipino and Puerto Rican cultures, beautifully blending the richness of her heritage into her unique identity. Her captivating presence is a testament to the unity and diversity that define our nation," reads an official announcement on social media.

Karla succeeds last year's Miss Uniworld from Iran, Niousha Roohbakhsh, and received the newly unveiled "Queen of Kilimanjaro" crown valued at USD 400,000 by official jeweler Amee Philips.

"Each day I am thankful for nights that turned into mornings, friends that turned into family, and dreams that turned into reality," she shared online with photos from her crowning moment.

Photos: Miss Uniworld, Karla Manjam / Instagram

Popular posts from this blog

Miss Universe Netherlands 2025 is Nathalie Yasmin Mogbelzada

Image
Nathalie Yasmin Mogbelzada, representing Noord-Holland, was proclaimed the winner of Miss Universe Netherlands 2025 on Saturday, July 5 at Studio 21 in Hilversum. The 28-year-old beauty from Amsterdam was crowned by her predecessor  Faith Landman and will now prepare to represent the Netherlands at Miss Universe 2025 in Thailand this November. Jaelin Amaris Ramadhin of Zuid-Holland was named first runner-up while Milenka Janssen of Midden-Holland, Shashinduska Nazir of Dutch Caribbean, and anne Koerhuis of Overijssel were the second, third, and fourth runners-up, respectively. The new Miss Universe Netherlands is no stranger to pageantry, having joined the national competition in 2023 and placed first runner-up. Nathalie previously held the title of Miss International Netherlands 2017 and competed in the 57th Miss International pageant in Tokyo, Japan. She has also participated in Miss Supranational 2019 where made the Top 25 and Miss Grand International 2022 where she finished in...
Read more

Miss Universe Albania 2025 is Flavia Harizaj

Image
Flavia Harizaj was crowned Miss Universe Albania 2025 in a national competition held last Sunday, June 29 at Pallati i Kongreseve (Palace of Congresses) in Tirana. The 25-year-old finance graduate from the beautiful city of Fier will represent Albania at Miss Universe 2025 in Thailand this November. She succeeds last year's winner Franceska Rustem. "I still can't believe it. I still have a lot of emotions that do not let me put in a line all the words I want to say," shared the new Miss Universe Albania. "Yesterday evening was the culmination of a long road, with sacrifices, tears, smiles and a lot of work. It was the realization of a dream that has lived inside me for years," she added. Besides economics and financial management, Flavia is also passionate about travelling, learning new things and staying active as she believes that real development comes when we nourish our mind and soul simultaneously. "I'm here to give my best, to inspire every g...
Read more

Miss Universe Malta 2025 is Julia Ann Cluett

Image
Julia Ann Cluett, representing Floriana, was crowned Miss Universe Malta 2025 on Thursday, July 3 at Hilton Malta in St Julian's. She edged out 16 other contestants to win the national title. The 27-year-old HR and office coordinator will now prepare to represent Malta at Miss Universe 2025 in Thailand this November. She succeeds last year's winner Beatrice Njoya. Katya Friggieri of Santa Lucija was named first runner-up while Christine Camilleri of Mosta, Karly May Naudi of Sliema, and Angelica Camilleri of St Julian's were the second, third, and fourth runners-up, respectively. The new Miss Universe Malta, who is also a model working on social media, holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Malta and a postgraduate diploma in education. She is no stranger to pageantry, having joined the national competition in 2023 and placed first runner-up. Road to the 74th Miss Universe: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miss Uni...
Read more

Miss Universe New Zealand 2025 is Abbigail Sturgin

Image
Lao-Kiwi Abbigail Sturgin was crowned Miss Universe New Zealand 2025 on Tuesday, June 24 at the SkyCity Theatre in Auckland. The 28-year-old police officer succeeds last year's winner Victoria Velasquez Vincent and will represent New Zealand at Miss Universe 2025 in Thailand this November. Hannah Cross was named first runner-up while Noor Randhawa, Gazelle Garcia, and Deborah Lambie were the second, third, and fourth runners-up, respectively. No stranger to pageantry, the new Miss Universe Zealand is a former Miss Earth New Zealand winner. She participated in the Miss Earth 2017 pageant in the Philippines. "I still cannot believe this is real. This journey did not come easy and if you've known me for a long time, you'll know how much I've wanted this," she wrote online. "Thank you to my friends and family. Without you, there wouldn't be a me. There wouldn’t be an Abby who can confidently hold herself with grace and poise," she added. She also sha...
Read more

Miss Universe Curacao 2025 is Camille Sabina Thomas

Image
Camille Sabina Thomas was proclaimed the winner of Miss Universe Curacao 2025 last June 7 at the Sandals Royal Resort in Santa Barbara. The 26-year-old actress, former military academy officer, entrepreneur, and leader will represent Curacao at Miss Universe 2025 in Thailand this November. Samiah Booi and Gillian Bentoera were named the first and second runners-up, respectively. Sashelle Antasia Johnson and Khalida Halime Naycir were the rest of the five contestants. The new Miss Universe Curacao succeeds last year's winner Kimberly de Boer. She was crowned with the presence of reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig from Denmark. "That night was unforgettable. All I wanted was to put on a show that made my family, my friends, and my island proud. To bring the universe to you all," Camille shared online after winning her national title. She also wrote: "I'm so grateful to everyone who supported me along this journey. I'll continue to carry that g...
Read more

Miss Universe Czech Republic 2025 is Michaela Tomanová

Image
Michaela Tomanová was crowned Miss Universe Czech Republic 2025 (Miss Universe Czechia) on Wednesday, June 25 at Chateau de Frontiere in Hlohovec. The 27-year-old mother, model and scientist from Prague will represent the Czech Republic at the Miss Universe 2025 pageant in Thailand this November. Completing the Top 4 finalists were Eva Brožková, Petra Šafránková, and Sarah Duong Vu Thi Thuy. The new Miss Universe Czech Republic became the first national winner under the directorship of fashion designer Sam Dolce. Michaela is a proud mom to a 14-month-old daughter and an advocate for HIV awareness. She entered the competition with a vision to unite science, advocacy, and public voice. Road to the 74th Miss Universe: View this post on Instagram A post shared by MISS UNIVERSE ČESKO (@missuniverseczechia) Photos: Eva Výsmeková, Miss Universe Česko / Instagram
Read more

Miss Polski 2025 is Oliwia Mikulska

Image
Oliwia Mikulska was crowned Miss Polski 2025 in a glittering national competition held on Sunday, June 29 at the Strzelecki Park Amphitheater in Nowy Sącz, Małopolska. The 20-year-old finance and accounting student bested 23 other contestants to win the national title. She succeeds last year's winner Kasandra Zawal.  Julia Czeszak was named first runner-up while Julia Uchrońska, Ewa Bochenko, and Julia Antoszkiewicz were the second, third, and fourth runners-up, respectively. The new Miss Polski will now prepare to represent Poland at the 74th Miss Universe (Miss Universe 2025) pageant in Thailand this November. Photo: Dorota Tyszka / Miss Polski
Read more

Miss Universe Belize 2025 is Isabella Zabaneh

Image
Isabella Zabaneh was crowned Miss Universe Belize 2025 in a national competition held Saturday, June 28 at Belize City Civic Center. The 21-year-old beauty succeeds last year's winner Halima Hoy and will now prepare to represent Belize at Miss Universe 2025 in Thailand this November. Monisha Hyde and Hope Panton were named the first and second runners-up, respectively. The rest of the finalists were Imani Jex and Libny Rodriguez. The new Miss Universe Belize was born in Texas, USA, and holds an associate degree in political science and a bachelor in international studies. Isabella's advocacy focuses on empowering young women by instilling in them an unwavering confidence and Christ-centered identity. Road to the 74th Miss Universe: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miss Universe Belize (@missuniversebelize) Photos: Quilz Tamay, MADISCO Company / Instagram
Read more

Miss Universe Brazil 2025 is Maria Gabriela Lacerda

Image
Maria Gabriela Lacerda, representing the state of Piauí, was crowned Miss Universe Brazil 2025 on Thursday, February 13 in Alphaville, São Paulo. The 22-year-old journalist bested 23 other contestants to win the beauty title. She received her crown from Brazil's first Miss Universe winner, Miss Universe 1963 Ieda Maria Vargas. Aline Fritsch of Rio Grande do Sul and Ana Carolina Ceolin Comério of Espírito Santo were the first and second runners-up, respectively. "This crown is ours, my Piauí. Let's go together to the Universe," the new Miss Universe Brazil shared online following her victory. Maria Gabriela previously placed first runner-up when she joined the national pageant in 2021. She will now prepare to represent Brazil at Miss Universe 2025 in Thailand this November. Road to the 74th Miss Universe: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Maria Gabriela (@mariagabriela_lacerda) Photos: Maria Gabriela Lacerda / Instagram
Read more

Meet the winners of Miss Bolivia 2025

Image
The Miss Bolivia 2025 final competition was held on Saturday, June 28 in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. A total 28 contestants competed for the national titles that were at stake. Four stunning women have been crowned and they will represent Bolivia at the next Miss Universe, Miss World, Miss Grand International, and Reina Hispanoamericana pageants. Here are the winners: Miss Bolivia 2025 / Miss Universe Bolivia 2025 - Yessica Hausermann (for Miss Universe 2025 in Thailand this November) Miss World Bolivia 2025 - Vanessa Kraljevic (for the 73rd Miss World) Miss Grand Bolivia 2025 - Alexandra Rocha (for Miss Grand International 2025 in Thailand this October) Miss Bolivia Hispanoamericana 2025 -  Camila Navarrete (for Reina Hispanoamericana 2026) Miss Bolivia 2024 Juliana Barrientos Gaidrikh crowned her successor at the end of the event. She made the Top 12 at Miss Universe 2024 in Mexico and was named one of the gold winners of the Voice for Change competition. Ro...
Read more