Tovic Salvador

Miss Universe PH bets reveal personal reflections, inspirations as 2026 season begins

Article (news)

Dyan Castillejo

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177130829890020260216-miss-universe-philippines-reveal-JC-9Z9A3514.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Miss Universe 2025 3rd runner-up Ahtisa Manalo (center, wearing blue) with the Miss Universe Philippines 2026 candidates. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News</div>The candidates of Miss Universe Philippines 2026 officially kicked off their journey, expressing excitement, gratitude, and renewed purpose as they stepped into the spotlight for “The Reveal” and their first public parade.From seasoned titleholders to returning contenders and fresh faces, the women shared what fuels them as they embark on the road to the crown.Representing Pampanga, 6-foot-tall Fil-Am beauty Allyson Hetland was overwhelmed by the warm welcome.“I’m so happy to see everyone,” said Hetland. “Seeing the support of everyone screaming Pampanga is such a huge honor and I’m loving every second of it.”Meanwhile, it was a “show must go on” moment for Sultan Kudarat’s Jen Javier, whose heels broke during the event.“Actually, kanina nag-barefoot ako kasi nasira ‘yung heels ko,” she explained.Despite the minor mishap, Javier carried on with grace, saying it gave her a more unique experience to remember.Taguig’s Bella Ysmael, who finished first runner-up during the inaugural standalone edition of Miss Universe Philippines in 2020, described her return as unfinished business.“It’s been six years since I last joined. But what’s keeping me motivated is just the idea that I felt like I had a journey that I needed to complete,” she shared.“I’ve grown so much in the past six years, but also at the same time [I want to] just enjoy every single moment.”When asked how she has changed since 2020, she reflected: “In 2020, I was known as the ballerina. But I guess this year, I would say I’m a ballerina who means business. I’ve explored many different sides of myself other than being a ballerina.”Ysmael shared that she has since opened a ballet school and an e-commerce business, while also exploring new fitness activities like cycling.For Tarlac’s Marian Arellano, their first day felt deeply personal. With her mother working as an OFW and her father a security guard, the parade and presentation left her emotional.She described the experience as bringing her “over the moon.”“I’m so happy because I finally met [fellow] empowered Filipinas. And I really enjoyed our press presentation and most especially the parade.”Arellano said she looks up to Pia Wurtzbach: “I really want to be like her someday. She’s very confident.”<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177130821406020260216-miss-universe-philippines-reveal-JC-9Z9A3594.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News</div>Muntinlupa’s Adela-Mae Marshall, runner-up on Asia’s Next Top Model, sees this new chapter as a personal challenge.“What’s inspiring me for this journey is just pushing myself beyond my limits and seeing for myself just how far a woman can go.”As an established model, she admitted: “This is definitely out of my comfort zone and it’s a new thing for me.”Marshall grew up in the United Kingdom and has been based in the Philippines for the past decade.Cebu Province’s Nicole Borromeo, who previously held the Binibining Pilipinas International crown and placed third runner-up at Miss International 2023, said she aims to anchor her MUPH campaign on faith.“Whatever I give out, it’s going to be in honor of Him,” she said.Borromeo revealed she began her MUPH 2026 journey after receiving a phone call informing her that the province was looking for “the right representative” and was told, “we think that it’s you.”She fondly recalled their mall parade. “Seeing their faces was so refreshing. It’s an amazing start for our journey.”Baguio’s Roxie Baeyens, who previously won Miss Philippines Earth 2020 and was named Miss Earth Water internationally, described the opening activities as a dream come true.“This was my little girl dream and now it’s finally coming true!” she said.She added that her mindset is centered on connection, saying she wants to “have a great time and great friendships.”“The queens are really sweet and I’m happy to be able to have this experience with them,” Baeyens said.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177130785813620260216-miss-universe-philippines-reveal-JC-9Z9A3447.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News</div>La Union’s Bea Millan-Windorski, a Fil-Am titleholder who was crowned Miss Earth USA 2024 and later named Miss Earth Water on the global stage, said representing her family’s home province now feels aligned with her purpose.Despite growing up in Wisconsin and previously representing the United States, she said it felt appropriate to represent the Philippines, saying: “This is about reconnecting with my heritage, my roots, and advocating for a community I work closely with.”Millan-Windorski moved to the Philippines 8 months ago and is loving every moment, learning the language even more.For Manila’s Justine Felizarta, the journey feels like destiny fulfilled.“Twelve years ago I was actually Miss Manila for my very first pageant,” she said. “And now I’m fulfilling a dream that I once thought was over.”Reflecting on their jampacked first day, Felizarta said she feels even more excited to spend the next three months getting to know her fellow candidates.As the 2026 season begins, the women of Miss Universe Philippines step forward not just with crowns in sight, ready to make their mark on the national stage once more.

From seasoned titleholders to returning contenders and fresh faces, the women shared what fuels them as they embark on the road to the crown.

From seasoned titleholders to returning contenders and fresh faces, the women shared what fuels them as they embark on the road to the crown.