The national stage is set, and the Philippines’ brightest beauty queens are ready to shine. From seasoned contenders to rising stars, these Miss Universe Philippines 2026 delegates exemplify poise, purpose, and personality, representing their cities and provinces with pride, advocacy, and vision.
Roxie Baeyens: An Elemental Journey of Purpose and Power
In the lexicon of Philippine pageantry, some chase crowns, while others build legacies. For Roxanne Allison “Roxie” Baeyens, the trajectory from a tourism graduate in the misty highlands of Baguio to a globally recognized “Elemental Queen” has been a masterclass in intentional evolution. Baeyens’ ascent began in 2019 with her win as Face of Tourism Philippines and a first runner-up finish at Miss Tourism and Culture Universe, signaling her ability to translate local charm into global resonance. During the pandemic, she thrived online, winning Miss Philippines Earth 2020 – Miss Earth Water while championing urban gardening, HIV/AIDS awareness, and relief efforts for Typhoon Ulysses victims. At 28, Baeyens stands as a seasoned strategist, building an identity crown by crown, cause by cause—a queen who doesn’t just compete; she leads.
Apriel Smith: A Crown, A Comeback, A Cebuano’s Moment
Cebuano model Apriel Smith marked her 22nd birthday with history as the first-ever Bb. Cebu, representing Badian with poise, confidence, and a memorable final Q&A. She also earned Best in Swimsuit and won P500,000 in cash plus P300,000 in gifts, but the symbolic significance of her win—being the inaugural titleholder—was priceless. Her journey spans years of persistence: Top 15 at Binibining Pilipinas 2016 and Top 16 at Miss Universe Philippines 2020. At 29, Smith demonstrates that pageantry is defined not by age but by tenacity as she now represents Cebu City.
Nicole Borromeo: Cebu’s Crowned Story of Growth, Grit, and Global Grace
From festival stages to Tokyo’s international spotlight, Nicole Yance Borromeo embodies evolution, persistence, and purpose. Born in Cebu City, she began with Miss Silka Cebu 2017, then climbed to national prominence with Miss Silka Philippines 2017 – 2nd Runner-Up, Miss Mandaue 2018 – 1st Runner-Up, and cultural triumphs at Reyna ng Aliwan 2019. Her rise continued with Miss Teen Philippines 2019 – 2nd Runner-Up and Miss Millennial Philippines 2019, culminating in her Binibining
Pilipinas International 2022 win and 3rd Runner-Up finish at Miss International 2023 in Tokyo. A committed volunteer and advocate for sustainable communities, Borromeo now returns to represent Cebu at Miss Universe Philippines 2026, poised for another milestone.
Zestah Espinosa: Iloilo City’s Golden Girl
At just 21, Zestah Shalom Espinosa of Anilao, Iloilo, became Miss Iloilo 2026, sweeping awards for Best in Evening Gown, Best in Swimsuit, Best Introduction Video, and Miss La Carmela de Boracay. A University of San Agustin architecture student, she balances studio work with advocacy, championing elderly welfare in honor of her grandparents. Her journey began nationally at Miss Pearl of the Orient Philippines 2024, representing Guimaras, and now she carries Iloilo’s hopes to Miss Universe Philippines 2026, blending design, intellect, and heart.
Nicklyn Jutay: Tigbauan’s Pride
Nicklyn Jutay, a magna cum laude Tourism Management graduate from West Visayas State University, represents Tigbauan with a focus on sustainable livelihoods and marine conservation. After earning 1st
Runner-Up at Miss Iloilo 2024 and holding Miss Iloilo-Binibini 2024, Jutay now steps onto the national stage as Miss Universe Philippines Iloilo Province 2026, bringing strategy, advocacy, and intellect to her
campaign.
Imelda “Imee” Schweighart: Kalibo’s Comeback Queen
Imelda Bautista Schweighart, known as Imee Hart, has journeyed from teen co-host on Willing Willie to Miss Philippines Earth 2016, and international pageantry with Miss Universe Germany 2023. At 31, Schweighart was officially appointed Miss Universe Philippines Kalibo 2026, marking a chapter of reinvention, resilience, and readiness to return to the national spotlight.
Bea Millan-Windorski: La Union’s Global Envoy
Bea Millan-Windorski, 21, made history as the first Filipino-American Miss Earth USA 2024 winner and earned an elemental title at Miss Earth 2024. A scholar, advocate, and heritage ambassador, she has long championed environmental causes, migrant rights, and civic engagement. Representing La Union in Miss Universe Philippines 2026, Millan-Windorski bridges worlds and voices global causes with pride.
Ashley Subijano Montenegro: Laguna’s Legacy Queen with Wings to Soar
Born to Binibining Pilipinas World 1994 Cara Subijano and host Hans Montenegro, Ashley Subijano Montenegro carries a legacy of excellence. Crowned Miss Universe Philippines Laguna Tourism 2026, she has held titles including Miss Charm Philippines 2019, Miss Eco Philippines 2022, and Global Asian Model 2019. A licensed cadet pilot and Enderun graduate, Montenegro embodies intellect, ambition, and versatility—ready to soar at Miss Universe Philippines 2026.
Justine Felizarta: Manila’s Seasoned Contender
At 31, Justine Felizarta brings persistence and international acclaim to Manila. From Top 15 at Binibining Pilipinas 2015 to Miss World Philippines-Tourism First Princess 2022 and First Runner-Up at Miss
Tourism World 2022 in Vietnam, Felizarta demonstrates that resilience is a crown. She also won Century Superbods 2024 Female Division, showing versatility beyond traditional pageantry.
Adela-Mae Marshall: Muntinlupa’s Multi-Talented Queen
Filipino-British Adela-Mae Marshall represents Muntinlupa with a blend of artistry, intellect, and advocacy. Top 12 on Philippines’ Next Top Model 2017 and 1st Runner-Up on Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 6, she is also a singer-songwriter and marketing professional. As a supporter of the Binhi English Literacy Foundation, Marshall embodies a modern queen who balances performance, business acumen, and societal impact. Marshall embodies a modern queen who balances performance, business acumen, and societal impact.
Fatima Al-Sowyed: Negros Oriental’s Comeback Queen
At 32, Maria Fatima Al-Sowyed returns to national pageantry as Miss Universe Philippines Negros Oriental 2026, after titles including Miss Bikini Philippines 2015 and Miss Philippines Earth Fire 2016. A Silliman University Political Science graduate, she merges intellect with multicultural heritage—Filipino, Turkish, and Arab—while actively promoting her province’s cultural and tourism initiatives.
Aviona Dass: Palawan’s Rising Star
Aviona Dass, 2026 delegate from Palawan, has consistently climbed the pageant ranks: Miss Palawan Universe 2022, 1st Runner-Up at Miss Teen Star International Philippines 2022, and 1st Runner-Up at Miss Universe Philippines Palawan 2023. A member of P-pop group RAYA, Dass brings stage charisma, vocal talent, and cultural ambassadorship to the national stage, representing Palawan with confidence and flair.
Bella Ysmael: Taguig’s Return Queen
A ballerina, model, and niece of Miss Universe 1973 Margie Moran, Bella Ysmael first captured attention as 1st Runner-Up of Miss Universe Philippines 2020. Now representing Taguig City, Ysmael blends artistry, intellect, and advocacy, founding Milota Ballet and championing mental health and women’s rights, demonstrating that stage presence can harmonize with meaningful social impact.
Chrystel Mae Correos: Tandag’s Environmental Advocate
From Kaskao, Carrascal, Chrystel Mae Correos merges intellect, stagecraft, and advocacy as Miss Universe Philippines Tandag City 2026. A licensed psychometrician and psychology graduate, Correos has competed internationally at Miss Planet International 2024 (4th Runner-Up, Best National Costume). She champions marine conservation and community education, integrating environmental protection with mental health awareness—a modern queen shaping purpose-driven pageantry.
The Stage is Set
From the northern highlands to the coastal shores of the south, these queens carry stories of resilience, advocacy, and ambition. Their journeys are as diverse as their backgrounds—seasoned contenders, comeback queens, environmental advocates, performers, and legacy holders. Each brings a unique voice to Miss Universe Philippines 2026, promising a national stage where beauty, intellect, and purpose
converge.
The crowns are within reach, but more than titles, these queens carry the hopes of their communities, the vision of their advocacies, and the pride of Filipino excellence.
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