In case you were wondering, the Miss Universe pageant typically draws around 80 to 90 contestants, including the Philippines. With so many stunning competitors, it’s a challenge to make a lasting impression and winning can feel like a shot in the dark—an impossible dream that demands more than just beauty. Every candidate puts their best foot forward in multiple rounds, from national costumes and evening gowns to swimsuits and the Q&A segment, making it tough to narrow the field to a top three.

That’s why the “pasarela walk” or signature runway walk has become a make-or-break element in the competition. It’s not just about looking good; it’s about delivering confidence, precision, and a performance that stands out from the crowd.

As runway coach Ian Mendajar, who trained Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa, explains, candidates on stage aren’t just beauty queens—they are performers. The pasarela is more than a parade; it’s a display of personality and presence, giving candidates an edge.

How Pageant Contestants Prepare For Their Pasarela Walk

Just like in sports tournaments, Miss Universe contestants undergo rigorous training for their pasarela walks, demanding discipline, strategy, and focus. Health plays a vital role throughout this preparation—proper diet, nutrition, sleep, and physical activities are essential to ensure candidates perform at their peak.

Each contestant works closely with a coach or trainer and it’s not a walk in the park—timing, tempo, and aura must all align. But beyond physicality, the walk requires a delicate balance of discipline and grace. Contestants must master when to exude power and when to soften their presence, creating a strategy to make lasting impact.

Coach Ian explains that mastering the pasarela walk is like walking with a crown on your head—one that must never fall. It’s all about embodying the grace and confidence of a queen, which takes more than just physical skill.

Training usually starts with a warm-up, just like any workout. Stretching and light exercises help loosen muscles and improve posture, preparing contestants to maintain their poise throughout their walk. This is followed by drills to improve specific movements—like turns, pivots, and hip control. As Kylie shared in her vlog, the focus isn’t just on walking; it’s about perfecting landings, twirls, and balance.

A critical part of the walk is the “establishment”—the moment when contestants pause to present themselves and make an impact. This is the time to shine, grab attention, and leave a lasting impression on the judges. Contestants are trained to take their time and “own” the stage because every small movement counts.

Facial expressions are also essential. Contestants practice looking calm, confident, and natural—without appearing stiff or forced. The goal is to show a smooth, graceful performance that catches both the judges’ and audience’s attention.

Famous Pasarela Walks Of Filipino Beauty Queens

1. Lava Walk By Catriona Gray (Miss Universe 2018)

Talk about sultry, timing, and aura—Catriona Gray’s winning Lava Walk brings them all together flawlessly. Catriona shared that a powerful catwalk is about mastering posture, facial expression, and the movement of the hips. She explained it’s like imagining a string pulling you upward, as if you’re a controlled yet fierce puppet.

2. Cobra Walk By Janine Tugonon (Miss Universe 2012, 1st Runner-Up)

Just like how a cobra moves with purpose, Janine Tugonon’s Cobra Walk at Miss Universe 2012 embodies precision, fluidity, and grace. It’s all about calculated turns, a seamless body flow, and a fierce gaze. Her movements, much like a cobra’s strike, were controlled and fierce, drawing attention and confidence in every step.

3. Ganado Walk By Gazini Ganados (Miss Universe 2019, Top 20)

The Ganado Walk is all about energy, confidence, and curvy movements. Gazini Ganados said that it is all about a smooth glide paired with gentle sways, striking the perfect balance between vitality and control. The challenge lies in avoiding over-exaggeration; while the walk should be “ganado,” it should evoke the powerful image and sharp turn.

4. Tsunami Walk By Shamcey Supsup (Miss Universe 2011, Third Runner Up)

Shamcey Supsup marked herself unforgettable with her Tsunami walk, a term inspired by her Spanish friend who always told her to “walk like a tsunami.” The Tsunami walk emphasizes a gradual build-up, mirroring the fluidity and power of water. It combines poise and energy, incorporating graceful movements without being too much.