Miss World Philippines 2026 Top 10 Q&A transcript

The top 10 finalists of the Miss World Philippines 2026 proved to be a revealing snapshot of how today’s Filipina views the world as they reflected on diverse issues, from the pressing economic realities to questions of inclusion, governance, and social responsibility during the question-and-answer round at the coronation night on Tuesday, Feb. 3, which extended till the early hours of Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

The finalists were challenged with timely issues—ranging from wage hikes and political dynasties to mental health, gender identity, public health, and the true meaning of beauty. Below is the transcript of the questions they were asked and the answers that defined their journey to the crown. 

Question: Do you believe social media has helped or hurt society? 

Miss Quezon City Asia Rose Simpson (crowned Miss World Philippines 2026):

“Mental health issues are on the rise. One in seven children worldwide experience mental health disorders, and the World Health Organization relays that 80 percent of adolescents don’t meet the recommended levels of activity.

That’s where my SED initiative comes in, my sports and dance initiative that specifically advocates for the physical, mental and emotional health of today’s youth. 

Social media, while it can have so many benefits, it helps us all promote different businesses and organizations that helps us succeed. However, I think it has also been used as a crutch for our creativity and our social skills. So let’s use social media responsibly. Thank you.”

Question: If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be and why? 

Miss Manila Anne De Mesa (named First Princess):

“Nowadays, a lot of people lack understanding and kindness. It’s very simple, but still it’s very powerful. If you’re just more understanding, more empathetic, more kind in every simple way, I believe that there will be so much changes in our world, and I hope that people will learn from this. With all the chaos, with all the negativities happening in our world, let us try to be more understanding, more kind, so that everyone will live in a better world, which is everyone, which is what everyone deserves. Thank you.”

Question: What can women learn from men? 

Miss Pampanga Gabrielle Fuentes Galapia (named Second Princess): 

“I think in this day and age, both women and men can learn from each other. And I think that it’s so important to find that balance, because it’s true that women can provide emotional support. And we can also learn from men in terms of logic, but it is also important that we recognize that both genders can acquire these skills, and we need to be able to find a balance and find equality for each other. Thank you.”

Question: Should wage increases match the cost of living, even if businesses struggle financially?

Miss Ifugao Valerie Pawid West (crowned Miss Global Philippines):

“I think the most important thing the Philippines needs to address at this moment is the root of the problem, and that’s inflation. So it’s important that we start there, so we could provide more future and livelihoods for not just our citizens, but also our business owners. We need to make more action in legislation first before we can address any wage changes.”

Question: Does banning political dynasty strengthen democracy or undermine democratic choice to vote or be voted upon? 

Miss Davao Jayvee Lyn Lorejo (crowned Miss Tourism International Philippines): 

“I know political dynasty is happening in our country, and it should be avoided, because political politics and government service should be open to those people who can serve our country better. I know the Philippines is suffering right now with a lot of issues, and it is something that our government should look after, because if we empower our world, if we empower the Philippines, we will have a better world. Thank you.”

Question: How do you think we should approach the question of whether trans women are women? 

Miss Rizal Province Lorraine Ojimba (crowned Miss Tourism Queen of the Year International Philippines): 

“As a woman myself, we should approach it with respect, because at the end, they are free to choose whatever they want to be, and these words or categories do not define them if they categorize us. So then that means we should respect them. At the end of the day, it is respect that begets respect. Thank you.”

Question: Do impeachment processes strengthen our democracy or deepen our political divide?

Miss Sultan Kudarat Olivia Grace Reilly (crowned Miss Teen International Philippines): 

“In the Philippines, right now we are facing a lot of impeachment problems and with our president and vice president, but I think that we should do is to check and to see if it is true, and this is for due process too. And I hope that in the Philippines, we choose the right leaders, leaders with accountability and transparency, and leaders who care for the well-being of the Filipino, not just for the Filipino, but the future of our country, and which is the Philippines. Thank you so much.”

Question: With the Philippines recently recording the fastest growing HIV cases in Asia, Asia Pacific region, should the government declare a health emergency despite political and budget constraints? 

Miss Filipino Community of New York Marizza Delgado: 

“Here in the Philippines, healthcare is a huge issue. Some families are one emergency away from poverty. So I believe that the government should set aside more budget and have more leaders that are transparent, accountable and consistent when it comes to health-care issues like HIV and for the longest time, I believe that Filipinos are used to having less when it comes to health care, but I want to remind you all that you deserve so much more.”

Question: Is a tourism chief’s public profile boosting the Philippines or distracting from tourism performance? 

Miss Batangas Nikki Malabuyoc Lorzano:

“In the Philippines, it is very important for us to boost our tourism, not only for the world to see the beauty of the Philippines, but for our economy. To me, it is important that we put people in power in position to prioritize these importances, people who serve the Philippines and not themselves. That is all. Thank you.”

Question: What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about beauty pageants?

Miss Filipino Community of the UK Margarethe Elize Romano:

“The big misconception about beauty pageants that people is actually that beauty pageants is all about glitz and glam. It’s all about putting on a show, putting on a pretty crown and a pretty dress, and showing smiles. But really, within this journey of Miss World Philippines, what I truly have seen and shown to myself is the true meaning of Beauty with a Purpose, being able to show that beauty queens are able to also serve with their purpose and their advocacies.” /ra