Miss Universe Philippines 2026

Miss Universe Philippines 2026
DateMay 1, 2026
VenueSM Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay
Entrants51
Debuts
Withdrawals
Returns

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

On January 25, 2026, Miss Universe Philippines Organization began introducing updated branding for the seventh edition aligned with that of the international pageant.[1] 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.[2][3] 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.[4][5]

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.[6][7]

Selection of participants

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. [8] Voltaire Tayag, the organization's executive vice president, considered this year's batch as among the "strongest" so far.[9] 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 an by-invitation event at the City of Dreams Manila in Parañaque titled "The Reveal".[10][11]

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.[12] Additionally, this edition features the returns of La Union and Rizal which both last competed in 2020; Nueva Vizcaya which last competed in 2022; Negros Oriental and Southern Leyte which both last competed in 2023; and Cabanatuan, Cebu and Palawan which all last competed in 2024.

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.[13]

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.[14] 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.[15] According to her, the individual entered the contest representing another locality.[15] Online personalities cited by the Philippine Daily Inquirer identified Lyneree Montero-Yodong of Mountain Province as the supposed replacement.[16]

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.[17] However, she rescinded her decision a day later after reportedly reconciling with her organization.[18][19]

Pageant

Format

The pageant introduced a new format for the 2026 edition, which, according to National Director Ariella Arida, aimed to "revolutionize" Philippine pageantry.[9][10] 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.[20]

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.[20]

Contestants

Contestants from 51 localities are competing for the title.[18]

Locality[a] Contestant Age[b] Hometown Notes
Albay Alexandra Oriño[21] 21 Naga
Bacolod Megan Baldevia[21] 23 Silay
Bacoor Felicia Aldana[22] 23 General Trias
Baguio Roxie Baeyens[23] 28 Baguio Miss Philippines Earth 2020 and Elemental Titleholder at Miss Earth 2020
Batangas Kathleen Caseñas[21] 22 Calaca
Cabanatuan
(Alberta, Canada) 		Ryla Hernandez[24] 22 Calgary
Camiguin Erica Cadayday[25] 23 Mambajao
Cavite Jencel Caña[22] 25 Dasmariñas
Cebu City Apriel Smith[26] 29 Cebu City Top 15 at Binibining Pilipinas 2016 and Top 16 at Miss Universe Philippines 2020, representing Cebu
Cebu Nicole Borromeo[26] 25 Carcar Binibining Pilipinas International 2022 and Third Runner-up at Miss International 2023
Cotabato Clarissa Westram[18] 24 Kabacan
Dasmariñas Tyra Godino[22] 21 Ternate
Iligan Trexy Roxas[21] 19 Iligan
Ilocos Norte
(Hawaii, U.S.) 		Charieze Cacayorin[27] 23 West Oʻahu
Iloilo City Zestah Espinosa[28] 21 Anilao Competed in Miss Pearl of the Orient Philippines 2024, representing Guimaras[29]
Iloilo Nicklyn Jutay[30] 24 Tigbauan Competed at Binibining Pilipinas 2024[31]
Kalibo Imelda Schweighart[32] 30 Kalibo Resigned winner of Miss Philippines Earth 2016, representing Puerto Princesa[33]
Laguna Ysabel Prats[21] 18 Santa Rosa
Las Piñas
(Florida, U.S.) 		Avegail Kultsar[18] 35 Orlando
La Union Bea Millan-Windorski[34] 24 San Juan Miss Earth USA 2024 and Elemental Titleholder at Miss Earth 2024[35]
Leyte Kareyl Cabahug[36] 21 Javier
Los Baños Scarlett de Mesa[18] 31 Los Baños Won Miss Globe 2025 at the Top Model of the World 2025.
Luisiana Ashley Montenegro[21] 25 Luisiana Miss Eco Philippines 2022 and Top 21 at Miss Eco International 2023[37]
Manila Justine Felizarta[38] 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[16] 28 Tuba
Muntinlupa Adela-Mae Marshall[39] 28 Muntinlupa Runner-up at Asia's Next Top Model season 6[39]
Negros Occidental Alexandria Colmenares[18] 22 La Carlota
Negros Oriental Fatima Al-Sowyed[21] 32 Dumaguete Miss Bikini Philippines 2015 and Elemental Titleholder at Miss Philippines Earth 2016, representing Dumaguete[33][40]
Nueva Ecija
(United Kingdom) 		Michelle Burchelle[21] N/a Dartford
Nueva Vizcaya
(Washington, U.S.) 		Jaqueline Aluning[41] 28 Bayombong
Occidental Mindoro Neil Silva[21] 22 Sablayan
Palawan Aviona Dass[9] 20 Narra Member of P-Pop group Raya[9]
Pampanga Allyson Hetland[42] 24 Angeles City
Pangasinan Donna Nuguid[43] 24 Dagupan
Parañaque
(Los Angeles, California, U.S.) 		Pauline Galvez[18] N/a Los Angeles
Pateros Kristen Marcelino[18] 19 Pateros Sister of Mister Cosmopolitan 2025 First runner-up, Kenneth Marcelino.
Quezon
(Australia) 		Patricia Ella Evangelista[44] 30 Padre Burgos
Rizal
(Southern California, U.S.) 		Alicia Buendia[18] 19 Santa Clarita
Samar Island Catherine Wardle[21] 18 Catbalogan
San Carlos, Pangasinan Rose Albania[43] N/a San Carlos
San Jose, Negros Oriental
(Bellevue, Washington, U.S.) 		Jayka Munsayac[41] 23 Bellevue
Santo Tomas, La Union
(Seattle, Washington, U.S.) 		Rachel-Hanna Gozum[41] 22 Seattle
Sarangani
(West Asia) 		Nicole Cruz[18] N/a Kiamba
Southern Leyte Renee Rose Patual[21] 24 Anahawan
Sultan Kudarat Jenrose Javier[21] 20 Isulan
Taal, Batangas
(Northern California, U.S.) 		Juliana Aquino[18] N/a Manila
Tacloban Jacqueline Gulrajani[45] 31 Tacloban
Taguig Bella Ysmael[46] 25 Taguig First Runner-up at Miss Universe Philippines 2020, representing Parañaque[46]
Tandag Chrystel Correos[21] 25 Tandag Top 15 at Miss Philippines Earth 2023 and Fourth Runner-up at Miss Planet International
Tarlac Marian Arellano[21] 22 Pura
Tuguegarao Janica Aquino[21] N/a Tuguegarao

Notes

  1. ^ A total of 12 contestants qualified for the national competition through pageants held in Overseas Filipino Societies. They were required to represent a Philippine locality at the same time. Their chosen localities are listed first, followed by their overseas society in parentheses.
  2. ^ Ages at the time of the competition

References

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  2. ^ Requintina, Robert (January 26, 2026). "Glamour and rivalry: What to expect in Miss Universe Philippines 2026". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved January 31, 2026.
  3. ^ Mallorca, Hannah (February 17, 2026). "Veterans, new faces go head-to-head at Miss Universe PH 2026 opening parade". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved February 17, 2026.
  4. ^ Bracamonte, Earl D.C. (February 17, 2026). "Miss Universe Philippines formally introduces lineup for 2026 edition". www.philstar.com. Retrieved February 17, 2026.
  5. ^ Fernando, Jefferson (February 19, 2026). "Miss Universe Philippines 2026 opens with 51 candidates, wider industry partnerships". Daily Tribune. Retrieved February 19, 2026.
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  9. ^ a b c d Adina, Armin P. (February 12, 2026). "Miss Universe Philippines 2026 batch 'one of the strongest'". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved February 12, 2026.
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  11. ^ Fernando, Jefferson (February 12, 2026). "First walk, new dreams as MUPH season seven opens". Daily Tribune. Retrieved February 12, 2026.
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  13. ^ Fernando, Jefferson (February 16, 2026). "51 women, one crown: A new era begins for Miss Universe Philippines 2026". Daily Tribune. Retrieved February 17, 2026.
  14. ^ Malasig, Jeline (February 9, 2026). "Lack of transparency, support: Miss Universe PH Benguet 2026 resigns from position". Interaksyon. Archived from the original on February 9, 2026. Retrieved February 9, 2026.
  15. ^ a b Tinsay, Gideon. "Cristeta Longey resigns as Miss Universe Philippines Benguet 2026 due to alleged lack of transparency, support". Philstar Life. Retrieved February 9, 2026.
  16. ^ a b Mallorca, Hannah (February 9, 2026). "Miss Universe PH – Mountain Province 2026 defended by fellow queen amid favoritism claims". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved February 9, 2026.
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  22. ^ a b c Adina, Armin P. (January 25, 2026). "Miss Universe Philippines 2026 pageant nets 3 delegates from Cavite". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved January 26, 2026.
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  24. ^ Requintina, Robert (February 5, 2026). "Princess Ryla Hernandez to represent Cabanatuan and the Filipino Society of Alberta, Canada in Miss Universe Philippines 2026". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved February 9, 2026.
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  30. ^ Adina, Armin (January 15, 2026). "Alexie Brooks' Miss Iloilo batchmate joins Miss Universe Philippines 2026". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved January 19, 2026.
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  36. ^ Cruz, Moises (December 12, 2025). "Kareyl May Cabahug Wins Miss Universe Philippines Leyte 2025 Title". The Manila Times. Archived from the original on December 28, 2025. Retrieved December 25, 2025.
  37. ^ San Juan, Ratziel (March 6, 2023). "Philippines' Ashley Subijano Montenegro concludes Miss Eco International 2023 journey in the Top 21". Philstar Life. Archived from the original on December 7, 2024. Retrieved February 2, 2026.
  38. ^ Adina, Armin P. (February 11, 2026). "Miss Tourism World runner-up Justine Felizarta joins Miss Universe Philipines 2026". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved February 11, 2026.
  39. ^ a b Mallorca, Hannah (January 18, 2026). "'Asia's Next Top Model' alum Adela-Mae Marshall to join Miss Universe PH". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved January 18, 2026.
  40. ^ Bracamonte, Earl D. C. (February 12, 2026). "Miss Universe Philippines 2026 early contenders to look out for". Philstar.com. Archived from the original on February 12, 2026. Retrieved February 12, 2026.
  41. ^ a b c Castro, Jenny (December 2, 2025). "Jaia Aluning Crowned Miss Philippines NW USA 2025, Advances to Miss Universe Philippines: Director JoAnne Aguilar Discusses Inaugural Pageant". Hollywood Times. Retrieved January 23, 2026.
  42. ^ "Allyson Hetland named Pampanga's rep for Miss Universe Philippines 2026". GMA News Online. January 22, 2026.
  43. ^ a b "Miss Dagupan City, Kinoronahang Miss Universe Philippines – Pangasinan" [Miss Dagupan City wins Miss Universe Philippines – Pangasinan]. RMN Networks (in Tagalog). January 25, 2026. Retrieved January 31, 2026.
  44. ^ Magtibay, Edinel (November 26, 2025). "From 3-hour walks to school to the Miss Universe Philippines stage: Engineer Ella Evangelista on her mission to empower children through education". SBS Filipino (Podcast). Special Broadcasting Service. Archived from the original on November 27, 2025. Retrieved January 11, 2026.
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