Another national pageant veteran wins Miss Iloilo crown
ILOILO, Philippines — Zestah Espinosa from Anilao was crowned Miss Iloilo 2026 in ceremonies held at the West Visayas State University Cultural Center on Jan. 17.
Espinosa is the second national pageant veteran in a row to win the title, succeeding Karen Nicole Piccio who won last year.
The 2025 winner had already competed at the Miss Philippines Earth pageant, where she was crowned Miss Philippines-Ecotourism, before joining the local competition.
Espinosa, meanwhile, took part in the Miss Pearl of the Orient pageant last year, where she represented the province of Guimaras.
At the local pageant last night, she displayed her experience with an impressive stage performance, and romped away with both the Best in Swimsuit and Best in Evening Gown awards.
As Miss Iloilo 2026, she may be sent to a national pageant to represent the city. The Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc., organizer of the competition, will make an announcement in the coming days.
Piccio was sent to the Miss Universe Philippines pageant after winning the Miss Iloilo 2025 crown. Her predecessor Alexie Brooks joined the national pageant the year before.
Brooks was crowned Miss Eco International Philippines at the conclusion of the 2024 Miss Universe Philippines pageant. She competed at the 2025 Miss Eco International contest in Egypt and brought home the crown.
She returned to the Miss Iloilo stage this year to host the competition, alongside 2016 Miss Grand International first runner-up Nicole Cordoves who has been hosting the local pageant for four straight years.
Also returning to the Miss Iloilo stage was the pageant’s first-ever winner, 2020 Miss Universe Philippines Rabiya Mateo. She was among the judges of the competition.
Another former Miss Universe Philippines titleholder graced the Miss Iloilo 2026 stage, 2023 queen Michelle Marquez Dee who performed her song “Reyna.”
The Miss Iloilo 2026 pageant proclaimed four “Heartfelt Queens,” the remaining ladies in the final five, who may also be sent to national competitions.
They are Patricia Lynn Beerda from La Paz, Lorraine Manguiat from Tubungan, Angel Ann Teruel from Pototan, and Jessica Mae Gatungay from Guimbal. /edv
