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.