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Miss Universe Philippines

ABS-CBN Lifestyle

<p>The road to the Miss Universe Philippines 2026 crown just got a lot more crowded. </p><p>Pageant fans are buzzing after five pageant veterans officially confirmed their bids for the title, promising one of the most competitive editions in the pageant’s history.</p><p>Bella Ysmael, Nicole Borromeo, Apriel Smith, Roxie Baeyens and Imelda Schweighart — all veterans of national competitions — recenty announced their participation in Miss Universe Philippines 2026, quickly igniting excitement among pageant fans.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1770176057769622695995_122298530372207045_2801352877618485437_n.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Bella Ysmael. <em>Facebook/Miss Universe Philippines - Taguig City</em></span></span></span></div><p>Ysmael was formally presented as Taguig’s delegate during a sashing ceremony last week, marking her first national appearance since Miss Universe Philippines 2020. Then representing Parañaque, she finished first runner-up to Iloilo’s Rabiya Mateo. A niece of Miss Universe 1973 Margie Moran, Ysmael said she is returning with greater clarity and maturity after years away from the spotlight.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1770176175093626770720_122244455942041372_6337123909496131423_n.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Nicole Borromeo and Apriel Smith.<em> Facebook/Miss Universe Philippines Cebu</em></span></span></span></div><p>Borromeo was introduced as Cebu Province’s delegate last February 1, returning to national competition after her successful international stint. She represented the Philippines at Miss International 2023 after winning the Miss International Philippines title and placed third runner-up. Her pageant résumé spans nearly a decade, with multiple podium finishes at regional and national levels.</p><p>Also from Cebu, Smith was announced as Cebu City’s delegate. She was part of the inaugural Miss Universe Philippines 2020 batch, finishing in the Top 16. In a social media post, Smith said her return is driven by purpose rather than validation, describing her journey as one rooted in growth and self-acceptance.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1770176216132624666307_122278703582207536_6586100168617043720_n.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><p>Actress and former Miss Earth Philippines Roxie Baeyens will represent Baguio City. She competed internationally at Miss Earth 2020, where she earned the Miss Earth Water title. Using her screen name Roxie Smith, she has since built a showiz career with GMA Network.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1770176229373559932669_122107969065046549_3439066208474493039_n.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><p>Schweighart, a former Miss Philippines Earth titleholder, was named Kalibo, Aklan’s delegate. She previously competed at Binibining Pilipinas 2013 and has been vocal about her desire to return to pageantry after stepping away from competition years ago.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/pageants-beauty-queens/2025/10/15/after-miss-earth-imelda-schweighart-aims-to-represent-ph-in-miss-universe-1229">After Miss Earth, Imelda Schweighart aims to represent PH in Miss Universe</a></div><p>With more candidates yet to be revealed, Miss Universe Philippines 2026 is shaping up to be a tightly contested race.</p>

<p>The road to the Miss Universe Philippines 2026 crown just got a lot more crowded. </p>

The road to the Miss Universe Philippines 2026 crown just got a lot more crowded.

These veteran beauty queens are joining Miss Universe Philippines 2026

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These veteran beauty queens are joining Miss Universe Philippines 2026

ABS-CBN Lifestyle

Published February 04, 2026 12:01 PM PHT

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Updated February 04, 2026 12:03 PM PHT

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