How Bea Millan-Windorski is blocking out Miss Universe org issues
MANILA, Philippines — Bea Millan-Windorski is directing all her focus to represent the Philippines the best away possible at Miss Universe as the pageant's organization navigates concerns among rivaling executives.
The beauty queen from La Union was crowned Miss Universe Philippines last May and has preparing for the diamond edition of Miss Universe the last six months.
Officials within the pageant's mother company however have been at a war of words in recent weeks over who has authority to speak on organizational matters and properly represent the Miss Universe brand.
The dispute has resulted in six Southeast Asian countries withdrawing from the 75th Miss Universe this November, including Vietnam, which one side has announced as the host of the next edition in 2027.
Philstar.com spoke to Bea on the sidelines of a Halloween party held in a Makati hotel on October 29 and asked how she is blocking out the noise to focus on her pageant journey.
The beauty queen shared about a conversation with Secretary Robert E. A. Borje of the Philippines' Climate Change Commission ahead of the 2026 UN Climate Change Conference, or COP 31 in Turkey, next month.
Bea and Borje discussed how events like COP31 and Miss Universe are opportunities for the world to come together, as well as for the Philippines to show what it has to offer.
"More than anything going on, I'm just focusing on what I can control and representing the Philippines to best of my ability," Bea said.
She does so in her talks about climate change, its root causes, and how to protect Filipino, given that the Philippines is among the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world.
Bea also said she is focusing on telling the Filipino story through other avenues like her wardrobe.
"I already feel like I'm highlighting the beauty of our country to an international audience and that's enough for me," the national titleholder ended.
The coronation night of Miss Universe 2026 will take place in Puerto Rico on November 25 (Philippine time) as Bea vies to take home the country's fifth crown.
