The Final 7 contenders for Miss Universe Philippines 2026 answered this question.
MISS UNIVERSE PHILIPPINES 2026 – Here are the official answers of the top 7 finalists of the pageant during the question and answer portion.
A new queen has been crowned! Bea Millan-Windorski is Miss Universe Philippines 2026, but her journey wasn’t that easy at all. From 50 candidates, they were cut down to 30 and then to 15. At the end of the competition, seven candidates were left, and before the crowning moment, the finalists were given the chance to prove that they are more than just their beauty.
During the Q&A, they were asked, “Many Filipinos are getting frustrated with the country. For you, why is it still worth it to represent the Philippines on the global stage?”
Their answers were:
SULTAN KUDARAT – Jenrose JavierÂ
“Miss Universe Philippines symbolizes not just glamour. It represents us all. Through Miss Universe Philippines, we have advocacies here, and through these advocacies, we help our communities, and by that, I believe that we, women—we, Filipina women, are not just a life of beauty, but we are also a carrier of dreams and aspiration of our nations.”
LA UNION – Bea Millan-Windorski
“The Philippines is something and a place that I’ve been in love with my whole life. Growing up in a predominantly non-diverse part of the United States, I was identified as Filipina first and foremost. I often had to point where the Philippines was on a map to my peers, and I always felt a sense of belonging and home. I chose to pack my life into balikbayan boxes and suitcases because I believe in the limitless potential of the Filipino people, and the fact that we need to create local opportunities here so that people don’t have to go abroad and be separated from their families in order to survive and thrive. If I were given the title of Miss Universe Philippines, I promise to be a public servant for all.”
CEBU CITY – Apriel Smith
“I do understand that we, Filipinos, feel that way, because we care deeply. And we know that we deserve better. As an OFW myself, I always send money back home, and I feel frustrated too, but as long as we know that we show up and we don’t just share struggles, but we share the stories of hope and culture and heritage for us being Filipino. And I’m ready to represent each one of you. To all the Filipinos out there, that we don’t stop raising our flag, because [the] Philippines is worth believing in. Mabuhay tayong mga Pilipino!”
TARLAC – Marian Arellano
“I grew up with an OFW mother and my father is [a] security guard. With this, I learned to be independent. So, as a representative of the Philippines in the international stage, I would bring this story that inspired, and I will speak up to other people. And I believe this independency [sic] molded me as an empowered Filipina because an empowered Filipina has the light that empowers and forces the universe. Thank you so much.”
TAGUIG – Ysabella Ysmael
“Our country is going through a crisis right now. And although this is something that is not new to us, I believe that I am a representation of a Filipina who never gives up. I have stood on this stage before. But I came back not because this journey is easy, but because I believe that dreams are worth chasing. And I’m here before you because I want to prove that we, Filipinos, although we may stumble or fall sometimes, we will always soar twice as high.”
 CEBU PROVINCE – Nicole Borromeo
“As someone who has not only represented the country, I have lived what it means to be a Filipina, I have seen the growth and the power that it takes to represent the country globally. The Philippines has so much to offer, not just the people, not just the stories, but our hearts. And that deserves to be spread all throughout the universe.”
PAMPANGA – Allyson Hetland
“I believe it is still very important to represent the Philippines in a global stage because the Philippines has so much to offer—from its beautiful mountains to its very beautiful beaches. The Philippines is such a beautiful country to live in, and I know that the most powerful tool that I have is to use my voice and be that example, that we Filipinos are strong, independent, confident, and beautiful.”
The members of this year’s selection committee are Kapuso actress Jennylyn Mercado, beauty queen Gazini Ganados, Filipino fashion designer Rhett Eala, celebrity doctor Hayden Kho Jr., Villa Medica Philippines Crystal Jacinto, GMG Productions CEO Carlos Garcia Candal, and Cosmopolitan PH Executive Editor Ida Aldana.
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