Veterans dominate Miss Universe Philippines 2026 swimsuit show in Misamis Occidental
MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines – Seasoned contenders dominated the 2026 Miss Universe Philippines pageant’s special swimsuit presentation held on Friday evening, April 24.
La Union’s Bea Millan-Windorski was the big winner at the competition held at AMORAP (Asenso Misamis Occidental Recreation and Adventure Park) in Sinacaban town, pocketing P300,000 as “Ambassadress of Misamis Occidental.”
She had earlier competed as the United States’ representative in the 2024 Miss Earth pageant held in Manila, where she was crowned Miss Earth-Water. She has since moved to the Philippines after relinquishing her national title.
Seven other runners-up joined Windorski as “Queens of Amorap,” including 2023 Miss International runner-up Nicole Borromeo from Cebu Province, and 2020 Miss Universe Philippines veterans Ysabella Ysmael from Taguig and Apriel Smith from Cebu City.
Joining the four perceived “frontrunners” were fan-favorite national pageant “rookies,” Pampanga’s Allyson Hetland and Tarlac’s Marian Arellano, two of the tallest in the roster.
Completing the winners’ circle were Sultan Kudarat’s Jenrose Javier and Laguna’s Ysabel Cecilia Prats. All of the seven runners-up received P100,000 each.
READ: Misamis Occidental welcomes Miss Universe Philippines 2026 delegates, executives
Miss Universe Philippines Organization (MUPH) officers and international and national pageant titleholders joined the panel of judges that scrutinized the 50 delegates who paraded on a long and winding “runway” that ran over and around the pool.
Among them were MUPH National Director and 2013 Miss Universe third runner-up Ariella Arida, MUPH Head of Advocacy and Women Empowerment and 2006 Miss Universe Photogenic Lia Andrea Ramos, and MUPH Executive Vice President Voltaire Tayag.
Also in the panel were 2021 Miss Intercontinental Cindy Obeñita, 2024 Queen Philippines Universe Kirk Popiolek, 2024 Mister International Top 6 finalist Justine Ong, 2024 Mister Friendship International first runner-up Jansen Kenley See, and 2024 Man of the World Sergio Azuaga.
Misamis Occidental will also host the announcement of the first 10 ladies who will advance to the semifinals, the leaders in the “U Vote” online poll via Maya who amassed the most votes at the end of the third round of voting.
They will be revealed at “The Main Event,” which will be held at the Bayfront Arena in Oroquieta City on Saturday evening, April 25. Five “Gems of Misamis Occidental” will also be proclaimed at the event. /ra
