MUPH 2025: Baguio Contender Deals with Alopecia Flare-Up, Eye Infection Before Big Night
MUPH 2025 – Baguio’s MUPH 2025 candidate, Gwendoline Soriano, is pushing through the pageant finals with grace despite battling an eye infection and an alopecia flare-up.
Gwendoline Soriano, the Miss Universe Philippines 2025 candidate representing Baguio City, has opened up about the personal challenges she faced just days before the pageant’s grand finals. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Soriano revealed she has been battling an eye infection and an alopecia flare-up, both of which struck at a crucial time—right before the preliminaries and mere days before the finals.
“Not so glamorous. The past few days,” she wrote. “I’ve been struggling with an eye infection and an alopecia flare-up — challenges that have shaken my confidence and affected my appearance, especially with the Preliminaries approaching, when all eyes are on us, expecting us to be ‘flawless’”
The 2025 pageant season has been especially competitive, with candidates under immense pressure to present themselves at their best. Despite this, Soriano chose to be transparent about her condition, even sharing photos of her treatment. Her openness has resonated with fans and fellow candidates, many of whom praised her bravery and authenticity.
Rather than allowing the setbacks to discourage her, Soriano leaned into her faith for strength. “They’ve reminded me that strength and confidence don’t come from my own, but from God. This journey is His, and I’m in awe of how He is using me to show His power, even in my weakness.”
Support for Soriano poured in across social media, as fans admired not only her grace under pressure but also her willingness to speak about issues that are often hidden behind the glitz of pageantry.
In closing her message, Soriano expressed gratitude for her journey and the support she has received. “Grateful for this beautiful journey I get to experience, with U and for U! See you all tomorrow,” she wrote.
The Miss Universe Philippines 2025 finals take place on Friday, May 2, where Soriano will continue to represent Baguio with poise and resilience.
READ ALSO: Herlene Budol Reveals She’s Suffering From Alopecia