Miss Universe Philippines 2026 bets get confidence boost ahead of final competition

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Just before they flew back to Manila for the homestretch of the 2026 Miss Universe Philippines competition, some of the delegates received a huge boost to their confidence from their trip to Misamis Occidental.

During the week-long stay of the 50 participants and pageant executives in the Northern Mindanao province, a handful of ladies received special titles that not only came with prizes but also bore responsibilities.

Nicole Borromeo was proclaimed as one of the “Queens of AMORAP” (Asenso Misamis Occidental Recreation and Adventure Park) at the special swimsuit presentation, and was hailed as “Ambassadress of Goodwill” of the province at the culminating event, taking home a total prize package worth more than P300,000.

“I think it’s the most encouraging thing that I’ve experienced, because not only was I awarded as your Ambasadress of Goodwill, I also felt the cheers from the people, the audiencce. Just me feeding off of that, I think that’s the perfect thing to bring to the coronation night, to the finals,” she told Inquirer Entertainment in an interview.

“It’s an honor. And I promise it’s a duty I will not take lightly. To be an Ambassadress of Goodwill means geting to serve the people for a whole year. And I get to be active in that whole endeavor,” Borromeo continued.

For Clarissa Westram of Cotabato Province, being chosen as the “Ambassadress of Education” meant a lot. “I give so much importance to education, because back in our province we really hone young leaders, young individuals to giving importance to their education. Not just volunteering, not just doing extra-curricular activities, but you will go further in life if you have the proper education,” she said.

The magna cum laude graduate from the University of the Philippines confessed that the recognition shocked her. “But since I have felt that they see some potential in me, it gave me a bit of boost in the preparation and everything. It’s because of a proper mindset, having that positive mindset that whatever happens, if I’m just enjoying everything, everyone will see that glow in me,” she said.

Jacqueline Aluning from the Filipino Society of Washington and representing Nueva Vizcaya said being chosen as the “Ambassadress of Social Services” made all her sacrifices worth it. “For me, it means helping the youth and just uplifting the [impoverished] here in Misamis, and showing them things will get better,” she said.

Aluning also expressed her gratitude to her supporters. “Thank you so much for all of your support. I see all of your messages and it warms my heart. Whenever I feel down your messages keep me going. So, thank you, thank you so much. And let’s do this,” she said.

Heavy favorite Bea Millan-Windorski from La Union brought home P300,000 for her proclamation as “Ambassadress of Tourism” of the province of Misamis Occidental during the swimsuit presentation at AMORAP.

She said the delegates’ trip to Misamis Occidental reminded her of a piece by Genevieve Alva Clutario that she used for her undergraduate thesis on pageantry and the role it has in nation-building.

“Pageants are really a mold of what our country can be and what it should be. So I view the crown not just as an opportunity for myself, but as an opportunity to work together with Filipinos across the country, to forge a new identity rooted in dignity, rooted in creating economic opportunities to the whole country,” she said.

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Also proclaimed alongside Windorski and Borromeo as Queens of AMORAP were Tarlac’s Marian Arellano, Cebu City’s Apriel Smith, Sultan Kudarat’s Jenrose Javier, Pampanga’s Allyson Hetland, Laguna’s Ysabel Prats and Taguig City’s Ysabella Ysmael.

The other “Gems of Misamis Occidental” proclaimed alongside Borromeo, Westram and Aluning were Camiguin’s Erica Jean Cadayday as “Ambassadress of Health” and Iligan City’s Trexy Paris Roxas as “Ambassadress of Agriculture.”

Fifty delegates from across the country and overseas Filipino communities are competing this year. The 2026 Miss Universe Philippines coronation show will take place at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on May 2. /ra