TRANSCRIPT: Miss Universe Philippines 2026 question-and-answer segment

Check out this page for highlights of the Miss Universe Philippines 2026 pageant

The question-and-answer segment is the final piece of the puzzle that defines a winning queen, and that is what happened at the Miss Universe Philippines 2026 coronation night on Saturday, May 2. 

Before Bea Millan-Windorski was crowned the winning queen, her and her fellow candidates’ grace under pressure was tested when asked to answer the question: “Many Filipinos are getting frustrated with the country. For you, why is it still worth it to represent the Philippines on the global stage?”

Take a look at how the final seven candidates performed at the question-and-answer segment:

Bea Millan-Windorski of La Union, Miss Universe Philippines 2026

“The Philippines is something and a place I fell 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.”

Jenrose Javier of Sultan Kudarat

“Miss Universe Philippines symbolizes not just glamor — it represents us all. Through Miss Universe Philippines, we have advocacies, and through these advocacies, we help our communities. And by that, I believe that we women, Filipina women, are not just a light of beauty, but we are also a carrier of dreams and aspirations of our nations. Thank you.”

Apriel Smith of Cebu City

“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!”

Marian Arellano of Tarlac

“I grew up with an OFW mother, and my father a security guard. With this, I learned to be independent. So as a representative of the Philippines in the international stage, I will bring this story that inspire, and I will speak up to other people. And I believe this independency molded me as an empowered Filipina, because an empowered Filipina has the light that empowers and forces the universe. Thank you so much.”

Ysabella Roxas Ysmael of Taguig

“Our country is going through a crisis right now, and although this is something that is not new to us, I believe that I’m a representation of a Filipina who never gives up. I have stood on this stage before, but I came back not just 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.”

Nicole Borromeo of Cebu Province

“As someone who has not only represented the country, I have lived what it means to be a Filipina and 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.” 

Allyson Hetland of Pampanga

“I believe that it’s still very important to represent the Philippines on the 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 I have is to use my voice and be that example that we Filipinos are strong, independent, confident and beautiful. Thank you.” /ra