Queen for global Filipinos

Princess Ryla Hernandez has arrived in the Philippines to compete in Miss Universe Philippines 2026, carrying the banner of the Filipino Society of Alberta, Canada, and Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija. 

A proud third-culture individual, her life across continents has shaped an appreciation for cultural diversity, resilience, and adventure. Born in the Philippines to parents from Cabanatuan City, she moved with her family to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates at the age of three and lived there until she was 19. The family has since settled in Alberta, Canada, further enriching her global perspective.

Now 21, Hernandez is pursuing a diploma in Administrative Information Management at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, where she continues to build her strengths in leadership, organization and communication. Her varied experiences have nurtured adaptability and resourcefulness — qualities she brings to the national pageant stage. Her journey in pageantry began in January 2025, when she was crowned Miss Philippines-Alberta in Calgary. With Miss Universe Philippines as her next milestone, she hopes to serve as a cultural ambassador and advance her advocacy for cultural diversity.

As she embarks on this new chapter, Hernandez shares her thoughts and experiences.

Why should you be the next Miss Universe Philippines?

I think I should be the next Miss Universe Philippines because I bring a new global perspective to the organization. As someone who had the opportunity to live in different countries, I have touched the lives of different people, and I think it’s very important to start that conversation. And with how big Miss Universe Philippines is, I think it’s such a big opportunity to talk about this issue, which is cultural misunderstanding, and that’s why I strongly advocate for cultural diversity and intercultural understanding. And at the end of the day, I might come from different parts of the world, but my heart will always and forever be Filipino.

Are you aware how competitive beauty pageants in the Philippines are?

Yes. So, pageantry in the Philippines is practically the Olympics. Pressure is very, very high. And I know when it comes to this journey, it’s going to be very difficult, but at the same time, it’s going to be very fun because, again, it’s something new for me, and I am an adventurer at heart. So, I like trying different things, and have fun with it.

What is your advocacy? 

So my advocacy is cultural diversity and intercultural understanding…I am a third culture kid, so I was born here in the Philippines, raised in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and later moved to Canada, which are very different dynamics in terms of culture. And the reason why I chose this is because I think it’s very timely. As we all know, the world is having a lot of conflicts in terms of how they want to rule each country, and I think that cultural diversity and learning how to understand one another is one of the most essential ways to actually try to resolve this issue. And with cultural diversity, I think it’s important to learn from one another’s difference and use that as our advantage as a community… So in Calgary, when I was taking my diploma, I actually worked with an organization that focuses on this, which is Action Dignity. So they work with different cultures around Calgary, Alberta, or Alberta in general, and I actually did my final project with them for my final semester.

What do you think is the Philippines’ biggest problem?

I think one of the or the root of the issues here in the Philippines is lacking good governance. And I think that’s not only in the Philippines, but worldwide. And the reason why I wanted to advocate for cultural diversity, because once we understand our differences, once we figure out what the root causes are, we can help one another and use that as our advantage to actually try to resolve problems that are around the Philippines or elsewhere. Just talk to one another and see what we can do to help. 

What is your strongest trait?

That I’m very much adoptable. As a kid, when I moved to Abu Dhabi, I was very quiet. My friends, my family knew that up until Grade Five, Six, I was very quiet. I rarely talked at school. I didn’t like the attention surrounding me. But something about learning to adopt into new change and just being surrounded by new people helped me pretty much step out of that bubble and be confident in who I am, and just explore different things that made me more confident and feel better about myself. 

As a third-culture kid, I am usually lost in the crowd of cultures and different people. And I think being adaptable is very important, especially when you’re surrounded with so many people and you can drown into that difference, but I choose to rise up with that.

What are the similarities between Canadian and Filipino cultures?

On the top of my mind, very friendly. So, I think, one of our top qualities as Filipinos is hospitality or being hospitable. Canadians are very friendly. So, I think the reason why Canadians and Filipinos get along so much and so easily is because of those traits.

How do you stay grounded? 

Staying grounded? Definitely having a Filipino family, Filipino mom specifically. Don’t get me wrong, they’re very supportive. But they will also be the first people that will tell you what is wrong and will help you improve. Not in a bad way, but because they want you to be the best version of yourself, representing yourself and the community. Two communities in my case.

Do you feel the pressure right now? 

Definitely. So representing two beautiful communities, my hometown Cabanatuan City and the Filipino Society of Alberta, it’s such a huge thing. But at the end of the day, yes, there’s pressure. There’s twice the pressure, but also there’s twice the support, twice the love. And twice the pride that I have in heart.