Cavite crowns three queens for Miss Universe Philippines 2026

Representatives for the province of Cavite to the Miss Universe Philippines 2026 pageant have been officially revealed, after the crowning of three Caviteña candidates in a grand coronation night held on 24 January at Fernwood Gardens in Tagaytay City.

Leading the roster is Dasmariñas City’s Jencel Manansala Caña, who was crowned Miss Universe Philippines Province of Cavite 2026. She will represent the entire province at the national competition. Joining her are Tyra Jane Godino, named Miss Universe Philippines Dasmariñas City 2026, and Felicia Fran Aldana, who claimed the title Miss Universe Philippines Bacoor City 2026.

During the event, Angela Andrist, representing General Trias, received the Miss Universe Philippines Cavite Tourism title, while Clytemestra Miaflor Juan, also from General Trias, was named Miss Universe Philippines Cavite Charity. Completing the roster were Narriet Nicole Gamilla of Indang, who placed as first runner-up, and Lianah Joy Trias of Cavite City, who finished as second runner-up.

The Cavite pageant journey began with the 11 official candidates formally introduced to the public during the Sashing and Press Presentation held on 19 December 2025 at Miraya Garden in Dasmariñas City. Preliminary competitions followed on 17 January at the Bellevue Hotel in Alabang, Muntinlupa City. These included the closed-door interviews, swimsuit competition, and evening gown competition, which tested the candidates’ communication skills, confidence, and stage presence.

The Cavite franchise of the Miss Universe Philippines is led by Cavite-based fashion designer Norman Malagueño Acuba, who serves as local director, together with co-founder Lynn Bautista, and Gale Salazar, member of the executive committee.

The grand coronation night — an elegant and engaging production — was directed by Raymond Villanueva, a veteran of fashion and beauty events.

Cavite has been making a mark in the national pageant scene. Since the Miss Universe Philippines competition began in 2020, two Caviteñas have already achieved podium finishes — Billie Hakenson, who was declared fourth runner-up in the inaugural edition, and Victoria Velasquez-Vincent who earned the Miss Universe Philippines Charity title in 2021. With the coronation of its 2026 queens, the province aims to further strengthen this record.

During the coronation night, Bautista emphasized that the pageant was more than a competition, calling it a celebration of women’s dedication, discipline, and personal growth.

“This is the moment where dedication meets destiny — where each candidate reveals not just how she shines under the spotlight, but who she is at her core: a leader, a trailblazer, and a proud representative of Cavite,” she said. “Miss Universe Philippines Cavite 2026 honors women who are confident in their individuality, unafraid to embrace challenges, and ready to inspire with their voice, vision, and values. Months of preparation, discipline, and self-discovery have shaped these candidates into the extraordinary women we celebrate tonight.”

She reminded the candidates that the evening marked the culmination of months of preparation and self-discovery, urging them to stand tall, speak boldly, and move with intention. Bautista also highlighted that segments such as the Swimwear competition were not merely about appearance, but about confidence, discipline, and inner strength.

As the crowns were placed and the new queens took their first steps forward, the stage was set for Cavite’s representatives to carry their advocacies, values and provincial pride to the national stage.