Filipino Designer Yto Gonzaga Named to Miss Universe 2025 Beyond the Crown Committee

At the heart of the Miss Universe 2025 pageant, Filipino haute couture designer Yto Gonzaga stands out as one of the eight members of the prestigious Beyond the Crown selection committee. The Manila-born creative, renowned for his intricate craftsmanship and romantic aesthetic, will help evaluate the contestants’ advocacies in this signature category.

What Is the Beyond the Crown Program?

The Beyond the Crown initiative highlights more than physical beauty—it spotlights each contestant’s purpose, vision, and social advocacy. Rather than judging solely on glamour, this competition aims to assess leadership and the potential to drive positive change. Its goal is to empower contestants to become “better versions of themselves,” turning the Miss Universe stage into a platform for genuine impact.

Yto Gonzaga’s Role and Reputation

Gonzaga is internationally respected for his bridal and couture designs. In her announcement, the Miss Universe Organization described him as a “renowned Filipino designer known for timeless elegance, intricate craftsmanship, and a modern romantic aesthetic.” His involvement underscores how the pageant values not only social advocacy but also artistic sophistication.

Who Else Is on the Committee?

Joining Gonzaga on the 2025 Beyond the Crown selection committee are:

• Dr. Juan Manuel Chaparro, a Mexican plastic surgeon

• Fausto Altamirano, an Ecuadorian artist

• Marita Astete, a Peruvian gastronomic entrepreneur

• Yaky Yanay, an Israeli businesswoman

• Camille Monasterio, an American beauty entrepreneur

• Anna Shiwlall, an American interior designer and entrepreneur

• Dr. James Irvin Healy, an American medical scientist

Together, they bring a diverse mix of expertise—from health and business to art and design—welcoming a holistic evaluation of the contestants’ initiatives.

Ahtisa Manalo’s Advocacy Platform

Representing the Philippines, Ahtisa Manalo has centered her Beyond the Crown entry on youth empowerment. In her advocacy video, she shared her collaboration with Alon Akademie, a non-governmental organization that promotes education, leadership, and equal opportunity for young people. She launched two programs under this partnership: Alon Hub and Alon on Wheels. Alon Hub gathers young minds to build ideas, collaborate with startups, and develop an entrepreneurial mindset, while Alon on Wheels brings hands-on learning directly to under-resourced communities. Alon Akademie believes in giving youth the tools and space to change their world. GMA Network+2Anyare.ph+2

In her video, Manalo said, “True leadership isn’t about power. It’s about purpose. It’s about lifting others… even one child—given the right tools and space—can change the world.” GMA Network+1

Countdown to Coronation

The Miss Universe 2025 coronation is scheduled for November 21, 2025, and Manalo is competing to capture her country’s fifth Miss Universe title. Philstar+1 Interestingly, her journey echoes that of Catriona Gray, another Filipino queen: the last time the Philippines won was in 2018, when Gray was crowned—and that event, too, was held in Thailand. Philstar+1

Why Gonzaga’s Participation Matters

Gonzaga’s selection reveals the Miss Universe Organization’s growing emphasis on integrating cultural and creative voices into its judging process. His background in elegant, meaningful design resonates with the pageant’s values of character and purpose. For the Philippines, having a locally celebrated designer on the international stage is also a source of national pride.

Meanwhile, Manalo’s youth-centered advocacy reflects broader global conversations around education and leadership development. By aligning with Alon Akademie, she brings forward a vision that reaches beyond traditional pageant platforms—encouraging young Filipinos to dream, act, and lead.

The inclusion of Yto Gonzaga in the Miss Universe 2025 Beyond the Crown committee strengthens the pageant’s commitment to artistry and purpose. Paired with Ahtisa Manalo’s passionate advocacy for youth empowerment, the Philippines is well-represented in this year’s mission-driven narrative. As November 21 draws near, all eyes will be on how these values come to life—and which contestant truly goes beyond the crown.