51 women, one crown: A new era begins for Miss Universe Philippines 2026

The national search for the next Filipina who will carry the country’s banner on the global stage has officially shifted into high gear as the official roster of candidates for the 2026 edition was unveiled in a grand media presentation at City of Dreams Manila.

This year’s competition signals a noticeable evolution in how the pageant unfolds. Organizers introduced a multi-stage system that blends traditional judging with public participation, allowing supporters to help shape the outcome at nearly every step of the journey.

Instead of a single preliminary night, segments will be released in phases — beginning with evening gown, followed by swimsuit, and concluding with interviews. Audience votes will determine which delegates advance in each stage. Even those who fall short in voting remain in contention through selection panel choices, brand picks, and wildcard entries that will be revealed during the finals.

The public will also play a role on coronation night itself, effectively becoming part of the judging body through digital voting.

The new queen will succeed reigning titleholder Ahtisa Manalo, who delivered a strong international finish last year and elevated expectations for the next Filipina representative on the Miss Universe stage in Puerto Rico.

A number of familiar faces return to the national spotlight — accomplished international competitors, former titleholders, and seasoned finalists — now sharing the stage with first-timers from across the Philippines and Filipino communities abroad. The result is one of the most diverse and competitive lineups in recent memory.

Official Candidates — Miss Universe Philippines 2026:

Albay – Alexandra Krishna Oriño

Bacolod City – Megan Larisse Baldevia

Bacoor City – Felicia Aldana

Baguio – Roxie Baeyens

Batangas – Kath Caseñas

Cabanatuan & Filipino Society of Alberta, Canada – Princess Ryla Hernandez

Camiguin – Erica Jean Cadayday

Cavite Province – Jencel Manansala Caña

Cebu City – Apriel Smith

Cebu Province – Nicole Borromeo

Cotabato Province – Clarissa Westram

Dasmariñas City – Tyra Jane Godino

Iligan City – Trexy Paris Roxas

Ilocos Norte & Filipino Society of Hawaii – Charieze Cacayorin

Iloilo City – Zestah Espinosa

Iloilo Province – Nicklyn Jutay

Kalibo, Aklan – Imelda Schweighart

Laguna – Ysabel Cecilia Prats

Las Piñas & Filipino Society of Florida – Avegail Kultsar

La Union – Bea Millan-Windorski

Leyte – Kareyl Cabahog

Los Baños, Laguna – Scarlett De Mesa

Luisiana, Laguna – Ashley Subijano Montenegro

Manila – Justine Beatrice Felizarta

Mountain Province – Lyneree Montero Yodong

Muntinlupa – Adela Mae Marshall

Negros Occidental Province – Alexandria Colmenares

Negros Oriental – Fatima Alsowyed

Nueva Ecija – Michelle Tantoco Burchell

Nueva Vizcaya & Filipino Society of Washington State – Jacqueline Aluning

Occidental Mindoro – Neil Silva

Palawan – Aviona Dass

Pampanga – Allyson Arceo Hetland

Pangasinan – Donna Nuguid

Parañaque – Aria Pauline Galvez

Pateros – Kristen Joy Marcelino

Quezon Province & Filipino Society of Australia – Ella Evangelista

Rizal Province & Filipino Society of Southern California – Alicia Buendia

Samar Island – Catherine Bareja Wardle

San Carlos City, Pangasinan – Rose Annse Ann Cariño Albania

San Jose, Negros Oriental & Filipino Society of Bellevue, Washington – Jayka Munsayac

Santo Tomas, La Union & Filipino Society of Seattle – Rachel-Hanna Gozum

Sarangani & Filipino Society of West Asia – Nicole Cruz

Southern Leyte – Renee Rose Pascual Patual

Sultan Kudarat – Jen Rose Javier

Taal, Batangas & Filipino Society of Northern California – Juliana Aquino

Tacloban City – Jacqueline Samson Gulrajani

Taguig – Ysabella Roxas Ysmael

Tandag City, Surigao del Sur – Chrystel Mae Correos

Tarlac Province – Marian Arellano

Tuguegarao – Maria Janica Aquino

With a broadened voting system, global Filipino representation, and a lineup packed with veterans and newcomers alike, the 2026 edition positions itself as one of the most participatory and unpredictable seasons yet — where not only judges, but the nation itself, helps decide who will wear the crown.