MANILA – A candidate of the Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) pageant has shared a cryptic message on social media following the organization’s announcement that a delegate had been removed from the competition.

Imelda Schweighart, representing Kalibo, Aklan, posted an Instagram Reel on Sunday, March 29, with the caption, “Where do we go from here?”

In the video, she reflected on her preparations for the pageant.

“Every rep, every adjustment, every hour spent refining the walk and the mind, it was all funneled into one door. And now, that door is closed, just like that,” she said.

“The stage I built my life around for the last thousand days is gone,” she added.

In a separate post, Schweighart also acknowledged her supporters.

“To everyone sending strength and standing by the truth: I see you. Your support is the wind beneath my wings,” she said.

Her posts came after the MUPH organization confirmed that one delegate had been removed from the competition following a review of concerns related to her participation.

The organization did not identify the candidate involved or disclose specific details about the issue, but said the delegate had received both verbal and written guidance.

“Despite these efforts, certain behaviors continued in ways that were not aligned with the standards we aim to uphold,” MUPH said.

The pageant body introduced 51 candidates last month, but the number has since been reduced to 50 following the removal.

The coronation night for Miss Universe Philippines 2026 is scheduled on May 1 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, where the successor of reigning titleholder Ahtisa Manalo will be crowned.

The winner will go on to represent the Philippines in the Miss Universe 2026 pageant in November, to be held at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan, Puerto Rico.