Miss Universe Philippines 2026
The Miss Universe Philippines pageant is more than just a beauty contest; it's a nationwide spectacle that captivates a nation passionate about pageantry, serving as a powerful platform for women to inspire and lead. The 2026 edition promises to be a landmark event, set to crown the next Filipina who will carry the hopes of her country to the Miss Universe international stage. Get ready to dive into the grandeur and innovation defining this year's search for a queen. The 2026 Miss Universe Philippines introduces a groundbreaking format, integrating technology and public participation to redefine national pageantry. This edition features an exceptionally diverse and strong lineup of delegates, including several from overseas Filipino communities, reflecting the global reach of the pageant. Beyond the main coronation, the event spans multiple provinces, showcasing the Philippines' vibrant landscapes and cultural richness in its preliminary competitions.
AI Summary
The Miss Universe Philippines pageant is more than just a beauty contest; it's a nationwide spectacle that captivates a nation passionate about pageantry, serving as a powerful platform for women to inspire and lead. The 2026 edition promises to be a landmark event, set to crown the next Filipina who will carry the hopes of her country to the Miss Universe international stage. Get ready to dive into the grandeur and innovation defining this year's search for a queen.
- The 2026 Miss Universe Philippines introduces a groundbreaking format, integrating technology and public participation to redefine national pageantry.
- This edition features an exceptionally diverse and strong lineup of delegates, including several from overseas Filipino communities, reflecting the global reach of the pageant.
- Beyond the main coronation, the event spans multiple provinces, showcasing the Philippines' vibrant landscapes and cultural richness in its preliminary competitions.
The Grand Search Begins
Miss Universe Philippines 2026 marks the seventh exciting edition of this prestigious pageant, a much-anticipated event for Filipinos worldwide. Set to unfold on May 1, 2026, at the iconic SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay, it's where dreams take flight and national pride shines brightest.
At the culmination of this dazzling event, Ahtisa Manalo of Quezon will pass on her coveted crown to her successor. This new queen will then embark on an extraordinary journey, representing the Philippines at the highly anticipated Miss Universe 2026 pageant in Puerto Rico later that year.
A Stage of Splendor
The SM Mall of Asia Arena, a familiar and grand setting for major events, has been chosen as the venue for the coronation night for the fifth consecutive year. Its capacity and state-of-the-art facilities ensure an unforgettable experience for both the contestants and the audience.
On January 25, 2026, the Miss Universe Philippines Organization unveiled a fresh, updated branding for its seventh edition, aligning seamlessly with the international pageant's modern aesthetic. This revitalized look hinted at bigger things to come, promising a truly spectacular season.
Just a day later, Mags Cue, a vice president of the organization, teased an upcoming 'spectacular' event slated for February. This turned out to be the competition's opening press presentation, where a groundbreaking announcement was made: Misamis Occidental would serve as the main host province. Additionally, Pangasinan was named host for the national costume competition, and the stunning shores of Boracay would host the swimsuit segment, spreading the pageantry across the archipelago.
Meet the Delegates
This year's batch of contestants has been hailed by Voltaire Tayag, the organization's executive vice president, as one of the 'strongest' yet. Fifty-one formidable women, representing 26 provinces, 18 cities, and 7 municipalities, were meticulously selected through local and regional pageants held by accredited partners.
The contestants were formally introduced on February 16 through a dynamic two-part event. It kicked off with 'The First Walk' — a grand parade at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay — followed by 'The Reveal,' an exclusive, by-invitation event held at the luxurious City of Dreams Manila in Parañaque.
Newcomers and Comebacks
This edition proudly welcomes several new localities to the Miss Universe Philippines stage, expanding its reach across the nation and beyond. These fresh faces bring new energy and diversity to the competition.
Dasmariñas San Carlos, Pangasinan Luisiana Pateros San Jose, Negros Oriental Santo Tomas, La Union Taal, Batangas Cotabato Mountain Province Sarangani Saudi Arabia (Overseas Filipino Society) Alberta, Canada (Overseas Filipino Society) Bellevue, Washington, U.S. (Overseas Filipino Society) Seattle, U.S. (Overseas Filipino Society)
The pageant also sees the exciting return of several localities after a hiatus, signaling renewed enthusiasm and participation. Their comeback adds another layer of anticipation to the competition.
La Union (last competed in 2020) Rizal (last competed in 2020) Nueva Vizcaya (last competed in 2022) Negros Oriental (last competed in 2023) Southern Leyte (last competed in 2023) Cabanatuan (last competed in 2024) Cebu (last competed in 2024) Palawan (last competed in 2024)
Unexpected Twists and Turns
Not all journeys to the crown are smooth. This year saw a number of localities unable to send representatives, leading to a dynamic shift in the contestant roster. The reasons ranged from organizational challenges to unforeseen personal circumstances.
One such instance involved Cristeta Longey, initially set to represent Benguet, who resigned her title and withdrew before the press presentation. Citing a lack of transparency and support from her local organization, she also alleged that another individual was being trained to represent the province, who later entered representing a different locality. This created quite a stir, with online personalities suggesting Lyneree Montero-Yodong, representing Mountain Province, as the supposed replacement.
Southern Leyte's Renee Rose Patual also announced her withdrawal just a day before the press presentation, citing health concerns and organizational support issues. However, in a surprising turn, she rescinded her decision the very next day after reportedly reconciling with her local organization, continuing her journey towards the crown.
A more mysterious incident unfolded on March 28, when the Miss Universe Philippines Organization announced the removal of a candidate due to 'persistent behaviors' despite prior verbal and written guidance. While Imelda Schweighart of Kalibo was widely speculated to be the individual, organizers denied this, stating the identity would remain undisclosed pending legal proceedings.
A Revolutionary Pageant Format
The 2026 edition introduces an entirely new format, described by National Director Ariella Arida as a move to 'revolutionize' Philippine pageantry. This innovative approach aims to engage audiences and showcase the contestants in fresh ways, departing from traditional single-night preliminary events.
Breaking tradition, the preliminary rounds — encompassing the evening gown competition, swimsuit segment, and closed-door interviews — were pre-taped throughout March and are being released weekly in April. This allows for a more polished presentation and extended engagement with the audience leading up to the finals.
Semifinalists are determined by a combination of a selection committee's choices and a groundbreaking public vote conducted via the Philippine online payment app, Maya. While contestants are eliminated per round, an intriguing twist allows for second chances: eliminated delegates can still advance through selection panel choices, brand awards, and a wildcard pick, keeping the competition dynamic and unpredictable.
The People's Voice in Judging
In a truly democratic move, selected members of the public will vote in real-time during each stage of the finals, serving as an additional judge. This unprecedented integration of public opinion directly into the judging panel underscores the pageant's commitment to community engagement and transparency.
The Contestants of Miss Universe Philippines 2026
Fifty talented and inspiring women from across the Philippines and its diaspora are competing for the prestigious Miss Universe Philippines 2026 title. Each brings her unique charm, intellect, and advocacy to the national stage.
Locality Contestant Age Hometown Notes Albay Alexandra Oriño 21 Naga Bacolod Megan Baldevia 23 Silay Bacoor Felicia Aldana 23 General Trias Baguio Roxie Baeyens 28 Baguio Miss Philippines Earth 2020 and Elemental Titleholder at Miss Earth 2020 Kathleen Caseñas 22 Calaca Cabanatuan (Alberta, Canada) Ryla Hernandez 22 Calgary Camiguin Erica Cadayday 23 Mambajao Cavite Jencel Caña 25 Dasmariñas Cebu City Apriel Smith 29 Cebu City Top 15 at Binibining Pilipinas 2016 and Top 16 at Miss Universe Philippines 2020, representing Cebu Cebu Nicole Borromeo 25 Carcar Binibining Pilipinas International 2022 and Third Runner-up at Miss International 2023 Cotabato Clarissa Westram 24 Kabacan Dasmariñas Tyra Godino 21 Ternate Iligan Trexy Roxas 19 Iligan Ilocos Norte (Hawaii, U.S.) Charieze Cacayorin 23 Paoay Iloilo City Zestah Espinosa 21 Anilao Competed in Miss Pearl of the Orient Philippines 2024, representing Guimaras Iloilo Nicklyn Jutay 24 Tigbauan Competed at Binibining Pilipinas 2024 Laguna Ysabel Prats 18 Santa Rosa Las Piñas (Florida, U.S.) Avegail Kultsar 35 Orlando La Union Bea Millan-Windorski 24 San Juan Miss Earth USA 2024 and Elemental Titleholder at Miss Earth 2024 Leyte Kareyl Cabahug 21 Javier Los Baños Scarlett de Mesa 31 Los Baños Won Miss Globe 2025 at the Top Model of the World 2025. Luisiana Ashley Montenegro 25 Luisiana Miss Eco Philippines 2022 and Top 21 at Miss Eco International 2023 Manila Justine Felizarta 31 Padada Top 15 at Binibining Pilipinas 2015, competed at 2021 edition and First Runner-up at Miss Tourism World 2022. Mountain Province Lyneree Montero-Yodong 28 Tuba Muntinlupa Adela-Mae Marshall 28 Muntinlupa Runner-up at Asia's Next Top Model season 6 Negros Occidental Alexandria Colmenares 22 La Carlota Negros Oriental Fatima Al-Sowyed 32 Dumaguete Miss Bikini Philippines 2015 and Elemental Titleholder at Miss Philippines Earth 2016, representing Dumaguete Nueva Ecija (United Kingdom) Michelle Burchelle —N/a Dartford Nueva Vizcaya (Washington, U.S.) Jaqueline Aluning 28 Bayombong Occidental Mindoro Neil Silva 22 Sablayan Palawan Aviona Dass 20 Narra Member of P-Pop group Raya Pampanga Allyson Hetland 24 Angeles City Pangasinan Donna Nuguid 24 Dagupan Parañaque (Los Angeles, California, U.S.) Pauline Galvez —N/a Los Angeles Pateros Kristen Marcelino 19 Pateros Sister of Mister Cosmopolitan 2025 First runner-up, Kenneth Marcelino. Quezon (Australia) Patricia Ella Evangelista 30 Padre Burgos Rizal (Southern California, U.S.) Alicia Buendia 19 Santa Clarita Samar Island Catherine Wardle 18 Catbalogan San Carlos, Pangasinan Rose Albania —N/a San Carlos San Jose, Negros Oriental (Bellevue, Washington, U.S.) Jayka Munsayac 23 Bellevue Santo Tomas, La Union (Seattle, Washington, U.S.) Rachel-Hanna Gozum 22 Seattle Sarangani (West Asia) Nicole Cruz —N/a Kiamba Southern Leyte Renee Rose Patual 24 Anahawan Sultan Kudarat Jenrose Javier 20 Isulan Taal, Batangas (Northern California, U.S.) Juliana Aquino —N/a Manila Tacloban Jacqueline Gulrajani 31 Tacloban Taguig Bella Ysmael 25 Taguig First Runner-up at Miss Universe Philippines 2020, representing Parañaque Tandag Chrystel Correos 25 Tandag Top 15 at Miss Philippines Earth 2023 and Fourth Runner-up at Miss Planet International Tarlac Marian Arellano 22 Pura Tuguegarao Janica Aquino —N/a Tuguegarao
Article
Miss Universe Philippines 2026
Miss Universe Philippines 2026 will be the seventh edition of the Miss Universe Philippines pageant, scheduled to take place on May 1, 2026, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
Ahtisa Manalo of Quezon will crown her successor at the end of the event. The winner will represent the Philippines at the Miss Universe 2026 pageant, to be held in Puerto Rico later that year.
Background
Location and date
The SM Mall of Asia in Pasay (pictured in 2025), the venue of the pageant.
On January 25, 2026, Miss Universe Philippines Organization began introducing updated branding for the seventh edition aligned with that of the international pageant. The following day, Mags Cue, a vice president of the organization, hinted at a "spectacular" event slated for February, later revealed to be the competition's opening press presentation. During the said event, the organization announced Misamis Occidental as the edition's host province with Pangasinan and Boracay serving as hosts for the national costume and swimsuit competitions, respectively.
On March 15, the organization scheduled the coronation night for May 1, designating the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay as the venue for the fifth consecutive year.
Selection of participants
The contestants were revealed through a two-part event held at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay (pictured in 2026) and the City of Dreams Manila in Parañaque.
Contestants from 51 localities (26 provinces, 18 cities and 7 municipalities) were selected from local and regional pageants organized by accredited partners of the competition. Voltaire Tayag, the organization's executive vice president, considered this year's batch as among the "strongest" so far. The competitors were formally announced on February 16 during a two-part event that began with a parade at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay titled "The First Walk" and continued into a by-invitation event at the City of Dreams Manila in Parañaque titled "The Reveal".
Debuts and returns
This edition marks the debuts of cities of Dasmariñas and San Carlos, Pangasinan, the municipalities of Luisiana, Pateros, San Jose, Negros Oriental, Santo Tomas, La Union, Taal, Batangas, the provinces of Cotabato, Mountain Province, and Sarangani, and the overseas Filipino societies in Saudi Arabia, the Canadian province of Alberta, and the U.S. cities of Bellevue, Washington and Seattle. Additionally, this edition features the returns of La Union and Rizal which both last competed in (/wiki/MissUniversePhilippines2020); Nueva Vizcaya which last competed in (/wiki/MissUniversePhilippines2022); Negros Oriental and Southern Leyte which both last competed in (/wiki/MissUniversePhilippines2023); and Cabanatuan, Cebu and Palawan which all last competed in (/wiki/MissUniversePhilippines2024).
Withdrawals
For this edition, no candidates were sent by accredited partners in Angeles City, Bago, Negros Occidental, Basey, Samar, Benguet, Bohol, Bulacan, Butuan, Caloocan, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Davao Region, Dipolog, Dumaguete, Guipos, Ifugao, Ilocos Sur, Isabela, Lapu-Lapu City, Liliw, Lucena, Malay, Aklan, Naga, Camarines Sur, Naic, Oriental Mindoro, Ozamiz, Pasay, Pasig, Quezon City, Quirino, Romblon, San Fernando, Cebu, San Jose, Batangas, Siargao, and Siniloan.
Leading up to the press presentation, Cristeta Longey, who was set to represent Benguet, resigned her title and withdrew from the competition, leaving no replacement. She cited a lack of transparency and support from her local organization as another individual was said to be undergoing training to represent the province in the pageant. According to her, the individual entered the contest representing another locality. Online personalities cited by the Philippine Daily Inquirer identified Lyneree Montero-Yodong of Mountain Province as the supposed replacement.
A day before the press presentation, Renee Rose Patual of Southern Leyte announced her withdrawal from the competition to prioritize her health, having cited a lack of updates and support from her local organization. However, she rescinded her decision a day later after reportedly reconciling with her organization.
On March 28, the Miss Universe Philippines Organization announced that a candidate has been removed from the competition. According to the organization, concerns were raised regarding certain behaviors, with the candidate given both a verbal and written guidance. The organization stated that the behaviors persisted leading to the candidate's removal. Imelda Schweighart of Kalibo was widely speculated to be sanctioned individual, but the organizers denied it was Schweighart but another candidate whose identity was not disclosed pending resolution of legal proceedings.
Pageant
Format
The pageant introduced a new format for the 2026 edition, which, according to National Director Ariella Arida, aimed to "revolutionize" Philippine pageantry. The preliminary rounds—the evening gown competition, swimsuit segment, and closed-door interviews—are pre-taped in March and are released weekly in April. The semifinalists for the competition are determined by the selection committee together with a public vote conducted per round through the Philippine online payment app Maya. Contestants are eliminated per round, although eliminated contestants may still advance to the semifinals through the choices of the selection panel, brand awards, and a wildcard selection.
Selection committee
In addition to the judges, the selected members of the public vote together in real time as an additional judge in each stage of the finals.
Contestants
Miss Universe Philippines 2026
Contestants from 50 localities are competing for the title.
<table><thead><tr><th>Locality</th><th>Contestant</th><th>Age</th><th>Hometown</th><th>Notes</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Albay</td><td>Alexandra Oriño</td><td>21</td><td>Naga</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Bacolod</td><td>Megan Baldevia</td><td>23</td><td>Silay</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Bacoor</td><td>Felicia Aldana</td><td>23</td><td>General Trias</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Baguio</td><td>Roxie Baeyens</td><td>28</td><td>Baguio</td><td>Miss Philippines Earth 2020 and Elemental Titleholder at Miss Earth 2020</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>Kathleen Caseñas</td><td>22</td><td>Calaca</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Cabanatuan (Alberta, Canada)</td><td>Ryla Hernandez</td><td>22</td><td>Calgary</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Camiguin</td><td>Erica Cadayday</td><td>23</td><td>Mambajao</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Cavite</td><td>Jencel Caña</td><td>25</td><td>Dasmariñas</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Cebu City</td><td>Apriel Smith</td><td>29</td><td>Cebu City</td><td>Top 15 at Binibining Pilipinas 2016 and Top 16 at Miss Universe Philippines 2020, representing Cebu</td></tr><tr><td>Cebu</td><td>Nicole Borromeo</td><td>25</td><td>Carcar</td><td>Binibining Pilipinas International 2022 and Third Runner-up at Miss International 2023</td></tr><tr><td>Cotabato</td><td>Clarissa Westram</td><td>24</td><td>Kabacan</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Dasmariñas</td><td>Tyra Godino</td><td>21</td><td>Ternate</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Iligan</td><td>Trexy Roxas</td><td>19</td><td>Iligan</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Ilocos Norte (Hawaii, U.S.)</td><td>Charieze Cacayorin</td><td>23</td><td>Paoay</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Iloilo City</td><td>Zestah Espinosa</td><td>21</td><td>Anilao</td><td>Competed in Miss Pearl of the Orient Philippines 2024, representing Guimaras</td></tr><tr><td>Iloilo</td><td>Nicklyn Jutay</td><td>24</td><td>Tigbauan</td><td>Competed at Binibining Pilipinas 2024</td></tr><tr><td>Laguna</td><td>Ysabel Prats</td><td>18</td><td>Santa Rosa</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Las Piñas (Florida, U.S.)</td><td>Avegail Kultsar</td><td>35</td><td>Orlando</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>La Union</td><td>Bea Millan-Windorski</td><td>24</td><td>San Juan</td><td>Miss Earth USA 2024 and Elemental Titleholder at Miss Earth 2024</td></tr><tr><td>Leyte</td><td>Kareyl Cabahug</td><td>21</td><td>Javier</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Los Baños</td><td>Scarlett de Mesa</td><td>31</td><td>Los Baños</td><td>Won Miss Globe 2025 at the Top Model of the World 2025.</td></tr><tr><td>Luisiana</td><td>Ashley Montenegro</td><td>25</td><td>Luisiana</td><td>Miss Eco Philippines 2022 and Top 21 at Miss Eco International 2023</td></tr><tr><td>Manila</td><td>Justine Felizarta</td><td>31</td><td>Padada</td><td>Top 15 at Binibining Pilipinas 2015, competed at 2021 edition and First Runner-up at Miss Tourism World 2022.</td></tr><tr><td>Mountain Province</td><td>Lyneree Montero-Yodong</td><td>28</td><td>Tuba</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Muntinlupa</td><td>Adela-Mae Marshall</td><td>28</td><td>Muntinlupa</td><td>Runner-up at Asia's Next Top Model season 6</td></tr><tr><td>Negros Occidental</td><td>Alexandria Colmenares</td><td>22</td><td>La Carlota</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Negros Oriental</td><td>Fatima Al-Sowyed</td><td>32</td><td>Dumaguete</td><td>Miss Bikini Philippines 2015 and Elemental Titleholder at Miss Philippines Earth 2016, representing Dumaguete</td></tr><tr><td>Nueva Ecija (United Kingdom)</td><td>Michelle Burchelle</td><td>—N/a</td><td>Dartford</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Nueva Vizcaya (Washington, U.S.)</td><td>Jaqueline Aluning</td><td>28</td><td>Bayombong</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Occidental Mindoro</td><td>Neil Silva</td><td>22</td><td>Sablayan</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Palawan</td><td>Aviona Dass</td><td>20</td><td>Narra</td><td>Member of P-Pop group Raya</td></tr><tr><td>Pampanga</td><td>Allyson Hetland</td><td>24</td><td>Angeles City</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Pangasinan</td><td>Donna Nuguid</td><td>24</td><td>Dagupan</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Parañaque (Los Angeles, California, U.S.)</td><td>Pauline Galvez</td><td>—N/a</td><td>Los Angeles</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Pateros</td><td>Kristen Marcelino</td><td>19</td><td>Pateros</td><td>Sister of Mister Cosmopolitan 2025 First runner-up, Kenneth Marcelino.</td></tr><tr><td>Quezon (Australia)</td><td>Patricia Ella Evangelista</td><td>30</td><td>Padre Burgos</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Rizal (Southern California, U.S.)</td><td>Alicia Buendia</td><td>19</td><td>Santa Clarita</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Samar Island</td><td>Catherine Wardle</td><td>18</td><td>Catbalogan</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>San Carlos, Pangasinan</td><td>Rose Albania</td><td>—N/a</td><td>San Carlos</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>San Jose, Negros Oriental (Bellevue, Washington, U.S.)</td><td>Jayka Munsayac</td><td>23</td><td>Bellevue</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Santo Tomas, La Union (Seattle, Washington, U.S.)</td><td>Rachel-Hanna Gozum</td><td>22</td><td>Seattle</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Sarangani (West Asia)</td><td>Nicole Cruz</td><td>—N/a</td><td>Kiamba</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Southern Leyte</td><td>Renee Rose Patual</td><td>24</td><td>Anahawan</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Sultan Kudarat</td><td>Jenrose Javier</td><td>20</td><td>Isulan</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Taal, Batangas (Northern California, U.S.)</td><td>Juliana Aquino</td><td>—N/a</td><td>Manila</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Tacloban</td><td>Jacqueline Gulrajani</td><td>31</td><td>Tacloban</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Taguig</td><td>Bella Ysmael</td><td>25</td><td>Taguig</td><td>First Runner-up at Miss Universe Philippines 2020, representing Parañaque</td></tr><tr><td>Tandag</td><td>Chrystel Correos</td><td>25</td><td>Tandag</td><td>Top 15 at Miss Philippines Earth 2023 and Fourth Runner-up at Miss Planet International</td></tr><tr><td>Tarlac</td><td>Marian Arellano</td><td>22</td><td>Pura</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Tuguegarao</td><td>Janica Aquino</td><td>—N/a</td><td>Tuguegarao</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>