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Miss Universe PH 2026 candidates

Dyan Castillejo

ABS-CBN News

With less than a month to go before Miss Universe Philippines crowns its next queen, this year&#x27;s candidates showed their best form poise and charm as they took center stage in a beautiful rooftop runway event in Taguig.Dressed in elegant burgundy ensembles, the candidates lit up the venue in high spirits, treating the show not just as a fashion moment but as crucial preparation for the coronation night set on May 2 at the Mall of Asia Arena where reigning queen Ahtisa Manalo will pass on her crown.From the group, make-up sponsor Ever Bilena picked its Top 5 finalists for a special award with each winner taking home P10,000 in cash and P20,000 worth of beauty products.Named to the Top 5 were the candidates from La Union (Bea Windorski), Taguig (Bella Ysmael), Cebu Province (Nicole Borromeo), Baguio (Roxy Baeyens) and Cebu City (Apriel Smith).<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1775827545836viber_image_2026-04-10_20-56-00-781.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>ABS-CBN News</div>Despite the competitive stakes, camaraderie remained evident among the finalists, who admitted they are already feeling sentimental as the journey nears its end.“Can I just say I’m going to miss my girls? It’s going to be hard,” Miss Universe Baguio Baeyens shared. “That means savor every moment while you still can. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”Smith, representing Cebu City, echoed the excitement surrounding the final stretch, saying, “We’re just so excited to showcase our ramp, how we’re doing well with our trainings up to the coronation night.”For the candidates, events like these mini-runway shows double as training grounds. Miss Universe Taguig Ysmael noted that growth remains constant throughout the competition.“I believe that there’s always room for growth. No matter how good you feel like you get, it’s good that we’re always constantly improving,” she said. “The events themselves are actually practice… now we’re doing pasarela on the spot as well.”Windorski, who comes from an office background, welcomed the opportunity to adapt to the spotlight. “I’m very appreciative that we have these opportunities to brush up on pasarela,” she said.Beyond the runway, the candidates emphasized that winning the crown requires more than physical preparation.“I think they’re looking for a total package… but what matters the most is you just need to be yourself. You just need to be authentic,” Smith said. “Your purpose also — it should be in your heart.”Baeyens stressed the importance of character: “Even in a competition setting, always remember — you must be kind… kindness goes a long way.”Miss Universe Cebu Province Borromeo agreed, adding simply, “I think number one is heart.”As for what’s at stake, each finalist shared deeply personal motivations for wanting to wear the crown.Windorski spoke of inspiring Filipinos to believe in their potential. “I believe in the limitless potential of this country… I would want to win… to inspire every single Filipino out there and make them believe that our country has value.”Ysmael hopes her journey can empower others. “You can conquer your biggest dreams no matter who you are, where you come from — it doesn’t matter as long as you take that step.”Borromeo highlighted the value of showing up. “When we give it our best shot and you get rewarded for that, people take inspiration… even outside pageants.”Baeyens, who paused her acting career, underscored the power of dreaming boldly. “All women are allowed to dream boldly… you can do it all for as long as you set your mind and heart to it.”For Smith, the crown represents advocacy and representation. “I’ve been working abroad as an OFW for three years… I’m coming back because I believe in my purpose,” she said. “I want to fight for Black Filipina representation… to inspire them that they can also be phenomenal and empowered women.”The MUPH organization announced that the coronation finals has been moved to May 2 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

With less than a month to go before Miss Universe Philippines 2026 crowns its next queen, candidates showed their best form poise and charm as they took center stage in a beautiful rooftop runway event in Taguig.

With less than a month to go before Miss Universe Philippines 2026 crowns its next queen, candidates showed their best form poise and charm as they took center stage in a beautiful rooftop runway event in Taguig.

Miss Universe PH 2026 candidates relish friendship, growth amidst quest for crown

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Miss Universe PH 2026 candidates relish friendship, growth amidst quest for crown

Dyan Castillejo,

ABS-CBN News

Published April 10, 2026 09:26 PM PHT

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Miss Universe Philippines

Ever Bilena

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© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.