The road to the Miss Universe crown just got a little more exciting! Gretha Matiauda, the stunning Miss Universe Paraguay 2026, has officially touched down in Manila. She isn’t here for a vacation, though—she’s here for a serious “pageant bootcamp.” By choosing to train in the Philippines, Gretha is following a trend of international queens who come here to learn the famous Pinoy pageant secrets, from that iconic stage walk to the perfect interview.
Helping her every step of the way is Filipino pageant expert Josh Yugen. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because he’s a total powerhouse in the industry. Josh is the man behind the House of Yugen and runs several Miss Universe franchises, including Bahrain, Egypt, and Pakistan. He’s known for making history, like helping Pakistan reach the Top 20 for the first time and coaching Egypt’s first-ever candidate with vitiligo to a Top 30 spot. For Gretha, having Josh in her corner is like having a secret weapon.
Gretha is clearly a huge fan of the Philippines and our legendary queens. During her arrival, she shared just how much this trip means to her:
“I am here in the Philippines for my preparations. I want to say thank you to Josh Yugen, he is already my friend for two years, and he is always pushing me in my Miss Universe journey. I want to thank you, because Philippines is the most powerful country in the pageant right now. So, I am really grateful to be here. I love Filipina queens like Catriona (Gray) and Pia (Wurtzbach).”
With the next Miss Universe pageant set to happen in Puerto Rico, Gretha is starting her journey early to make sure she’s 100% ready. She’s combining her natural Latina charm with the “Pinoy Magic” that made winners out of Pia Wurtzbach and Catriona Gray. Pageant fans are already buzzing—with Josh Yugen’s mentorship and the world-class training she’ll get in Manila, Gretha is definitely one to watch for the 2026 crown!