26-yr.-old from Pico, La Trinidad is Benguet’s bet in Miss Universe PH

Itogon, Benguet- A farmers’ advocate is Benguet’s representative in the Miss Universe Philippines pageant, which is scheduled to take place in May this year. 

Maiko Wai-tan Ibarde, a native of Pico, La Trinidad and a proud Kankanaey, was officially sashed by Miss Universe PH-Benguet Director Wynona Luis-Galvan on February 7, 2025, at Big Belly Restaurant to carry and promote the province's identity in said competition. 

Ibarde, who already joined various national and international pageants, is the second representative of Benguet to join the country’s biggest pageantry after Joemay-an Leo in 2023.

26-year-old Ibarde is a dedicated advocate for the promotion of farmers’ rights and sustainable agriculture. She actively encourages Benguet farmers to continue cultivating their lands and be proud that they are among the major suppliers of highland vegetables in the country.

Being given the chance to represent Benguet in the Miss Universe PH, Ibarde said it is a great opportunity for her to showcase Benguet’s rich culture and heritage.

Ibarde’s commendable achievements as a beauty queen 

The beauty queen, in her interview with a local media, said that she was honed by years of experiences in joining several and various pageants in her younger years, citing that those contests demanded dedication and sometimes, sacrificing certain things.

In 2022, she won the Miss Baguio Tourism title, which led her to numerous regional, national, and international pageantry exposures over the past years. 

Other achievements she had include being the first runner-up in Ms. Summit International in 2024 and first runner-up in Miss Aura Philippines in 2023. 

Ibarde confessed that she was supposed to stop participating in beauty pageants, not until she received a call from her manager informing her that she was chosen to represent Benguet in the upcoming Miss Universe Philippines, which she graciously accepted.

“If it’s meant for you, it will always find its way back to you,” she added.

Having taken one step closer to achieving her dream, Ibarde thanked her handlers and the organizers of the Miss Universe Philippines for choosing her as the representative of Benguet. 

As she prepares for the biggest pageant in the country, she asks for the support of the Cordillerans and iBenguets in this quest to bringing the region to greater heights in terms of beauty and wit in the national, and even in the international stage.