House Of Yugen brings Miss Universe titleholders from Sweden, Pakistan and Egypt to Manila, as Face of the Philippines Season 2 crowns its next international star
House of Yugen, a leading force in international pageant, fashion, and talent management, welcomed three Miss Universe national titleholders to Manila this week as part of its commitment to Filipino pageant training and talent development. The company, under President Josh Yugen and Managing Director Ian Borromeo, held a press conference at Byron’s at 134 in Tagaytay City to mark the arrival of Miss Universe Pakistan 2026 Misbah Arshad, Miss Universe Egypt 2026 Sonia Gergis, and Miss Universe Sweden 2026 Josefin Strand.
The titleholders’ visit to the Philippines focuses on specialized training with esteemed Filipino coaches, designers, photographers, and stylists. Their preparation coincides with the highly anticipated Face of the Philippines Season 2 Grand Finals—a talent platform for aspiring Filipino models seeking international opportunities.
Since 2022, House of Yugen has consistently brought global queens to Manila for focused training, citing the Philippines’ reputation as a hub for pageant excellence. This strategy has paid off, with House of Yugen’s international franchise delegates achieving semi-final and finalist placements at Miss Universe recently. Filipino creative professionals, known for their technical skill and cultural understanding, play an essential role in readying candidates for the world stage.
Working alongside respected mentors like Ian Lorenz and MUSE by Anton, and top designers such as Furne Amato, Francis Libiran, and Rian Fernandez, the organization draws on a vast local network. These collaborations span wardrobe, costume design, photography, walk training, communication skills, and overall competition strategy.
For President Josh Yugen, bringing queens from Pakistan, Egypt, and Sweden to train in Manila is both a recognition of Filipino expertise and a step toward building more globally competitive contestants. “The Philippines is home to some of the world’s finest pageant talent. The value of our collaboration is evident in our results,” he said. Partnerships with businesses in technology, beauty, creative, and hospitality sectors strengthen the organization’s network.
The three Miss Universe titleholders reflected on their international journeys and preparation with Filipino professionals. Their stories highlight the country’s broader role in shaping talent for the global pageant scene—a reputation earned not just through technical training but also by mentoring and empowering contestants from diverse backgrounds.
Meanwhile, the Face of the Philippines competition is gaining traction under House of Yugen’s guidance. Now in its second season and supported by brands like ROKID Philippines and Blumii by Arci Muñoz, the platform provides Filipino models a springboard to global exposure, including a chance to represent the Philippines at the prestigious Face of Asia—Asia Model Festival in South Korea.
A distinguished panel of international titleholders, fashion industry experts, photographers, and business partners will select the winner at this season’s Grand Finals. The victor takes home a management contract, a digital cover feature, and an all-expenses-paid trip to represent the country abroad.
Managing Director Ian Borromeo sees the growing Face of the Philippines platform as part of House of Yugen’s ongoing efforts to empower local talent and connect Filipino creatives with bigger opportunities. “Our goal is to provide meaningful platforms for Filipino models and create opportunities that extend beyond just the crowning moment,” he shared.
Across both the international queen training program and Face of the Philippines, House of Yugen is backed by sponsors from technology, beauty, hospitality, and dining—ensuring a holistic experience for trainees and contestants alike. These partnerships demonstrate the collaborative ecosystem required to nurture and launch talent within the competitive global arena.
As Miss Universe queens train in Manila and Filipino models prepare for international exposure, House of Yugen affirms its dedication to championing Filipino talent while forging bridges across the world of beauty, fashion, and entertainment. The organization’s efforts reinforce the Philippines as a true powerhouse for pageant, fashion, and creative excellence on the global stage.