Filipino brand Bench makes history as the official swimsuit provider of Miss Universe 2025, unveiling two exclusive collections for the preliminary and coronation events in Thailand.
Filipino lifestyle powerhouse Bench is set to shine on the global stage as it becomes the official swimsuit provider for the 74th Miss Universe pageant in Thailand.
This marks a historic first for the 37-year-old brand, which is bringing world-class Filipino design to one of the most prestigious pageants in the world.
All eyes were on Miss Universe Philippines, Ahtisa Manalo, as she delivered a scorching performance on the runway of the highly anticipated Miss Universe 2025 Swimsuit Fashion Show held at the Columbia Pictures Aquaverse in Pattaya, Thailand, on Friday, November 14.
@radar.ph It's showtime for our #MissUniversePhilippines, #AhtisaManalo, ♬ original sound - radar.ph
Manalo is being heavily favored by fans and analysts as a frontrunner for the crown, exuding fierce confidence as she commanded the runway.
Her ensemble featured a striking green two-piece swimsuit, complemented by gold dangling earrings and nude-toned heels.
Manalo turned her swimsuit walk into a defining moment, setting the bar for the rest of the candidates.
The Miss Universe competition will be held on November 19 and 21 at the Impact Arena in Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok, with candidates set to don two exclusive Bench collections created specifically for the event.
Bench first teased the announcement a week before pageant season through a social media reel featuring past Miss Universe Philippines queens and Bench muses Michelle Dee, Chelsea Manalo, and Ariella Arida, now national director of Miss Universe Philippines. The post proudly declared, “From the Philippines to the Universe.”
For the Preliminary Competition on November 19, Bench will present swimsuits from the “Power of Love” collection, designed with the seven colors of the LGBTQIA+ flag. The collection symbolizes the Miss Universe Organization’s advocacy for inclusivity and Bench’s longstanding commitment to celebrating diversity.
During the Coronation Night on November 21, contestants will wear the “Sky of Thailand” collection. This lineup pays tribute to the host country through designs featuring the red, white, and blue of the Thai flag.
Each piece includes embellishments inspired by the ratchaphruek—Thailand’s national flower—crafted by Filipino designer Neric Beltran.
The partnership continues a proud tradition of Filipino talent contributing to Miss Universe. Olivia Quido, a longtime skincare collaborator of the pageant, now serves as the organization’s vice president for global partnerships. In 2021, Filipino shoemaker Jojo Bragais supplied the official footwear for the 69th Miss Universe and continued his involvement in later editions.
This year, Philippine bet Ahtisa Manalo aims for the country’s fifth Miss Universe crown after the reigns of Catriona Gray (2018), Pia Wurtzbach (2015), Margie Moran (1973), and Gloria Diaz (1969). Manalo enters the competition with bright prospects, previously bagging a first runner-up spot at Miss International 2018 and a Top 10 finish at Miss Cosmo 2024.
Bench’s participation marks a significant moment for Philippine fashion, celebrating Filipino creativity and craftsmanship on an international stage.
READ:
Ahtisa Manalo believes Thailand holds lucky charm for Philippine queens
Kiko Escuadro
October 27, 2025
Ariella Arida on Miss Universe drama: ‘You can’t please everyone.’
Kiko Escuadro
November 6, 2025
Filipino pride on stage: Ahtisa Manalo stuns at Miss Universe 2025
Kiko Escuadro
November 12, 2025
