The journey has officially begun.
With “The Reveal” on 16 February, the Miss Universe Philippines 2026 season opened not just with introductions, but with scale — 51 women representing communities across the country and beyond. The lineup includes 31 candidates from Luzon, 13 from the Visayas and 7 from Mindanao, forming one of the most geographically balanced rosters in recent editions.
Even before preliminary competitions, the organization mapped out a nationwide route for the delegates, turning the pageant into a traveling showcase of culture, tourism and local industry.
Misamis Occidental was confirmed as the official host province, set to welcome the candidates for major activities and the provincial tour under its development campaign. The National Costume Competition heads to Pangasinan, while the outdoor swimsuit event returns to Boracay, sustaining the competition’s tradition of combining pageantry with destination promotion.
But beyond locations and logistics, the new season signals a shift in what the competition wants to represent.
This cycle formally aligned with three Filipino companies — Pina Beauty, Abu Philippines and DYLN Skin Inc. — positioning candidates not only as representatives of beauty and advocacy, but also as ambassadors of local innovation.
Executive Vice-President Voltaire Tayag explained the broader reach of the organization:
“Every year, the most amazing part about being in Miss Universe Philippines is that we have sponsors that keep coming back. So it’s really a testament to two things: One, the reach of Miss Universe Philippines is unmatched. I can say that very confidently because we have the numbers to back it up. And we explain to the delegates also that because of the sponsors, you are enjoying what you are enjoying, that you can have this pageant, that you can have a wonderful show.”
The message is clear: the crown now carries industries along with identity.
For Pina Beauty, partnership means continuing projects long after coronation night.
CEO Pamela Mejia shared:
“Last year, even after the duration of the pageant and following the coronation, we involved all the queens in our advocacy activities. We donated classrooms, laptops and computers to a community in Pangasinan, and the entire Miss Universe Philippines 2025 team joined us during the groundbreaking. We’re true to what we say — we’re more than just selling beauty, a body, a brand or makeup. We do our impact work as well.”
She added:
“Last year, Pina Beauty really focused on being an advocacy-rooted brand. This year, we are more certain of what we stand for, which is why all our activities are very focused on impact work. We’re truly excited because the initiatives we’re offering this year are something unique for all the candidates.”
Here, the pageant becomes less about appearance and more about participation.
Abu Philippines enters the collaboration with an educational goal — normalizing discussions around personal care.
Co-founder Christian Abulence said:
“Miss Universe Philippines represents confidence, health and empowerment — values that align perfectly with ABU’s mission to promote proper, shame-free intimate care. We hope audiences understand that self-care includes intimate hygiene, and that taking care of your body should never be embarrassing.”
In a competition often associated with glamour, the conversation expands into public awareness.
DYLN Skin Inc., meanwhile, uses the platform to introduce its products to a national audience.
Consultant Maria May Militante explained:
“We are truly excited to be launched on this platform. This is probably the biggest and strongest platform that any brand can be launched at. As a new entry in the market, this gives us a good opportunity to reach more people and introduce our products. We support Filipina excellence, and we want to embody that same excellence in the products we offer.”
For the organization, the partnerships extend past formal agreements.
Tayag emphasized:
“It’s not just a business; there’s always an alignment in terms of values. And it’s funny how a lot of sponsors become our friends outside the pageant. So, I think that speaks a lot about the partnership that we develop and the relationship that we nurture.”
As the 51 candidates prepare for months of activities across the country, the competition positions itself as more than a search for a representative.
It becomes a shared stage — where communities, industries and identities move together.
In this season, the Filipina stepping onto the international runway does not walk alone. She carries with her a nation, its stories and the people building alongside her.