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To the casual observer, beauty pageants are just superficial spectacles for people to show off their beauty in gowns and swimsuits. And while the outer appearance factors in their placement, it isn’t all about the looks. Pageants also serve as opportunities for the queens to use their platforms for the good, influence positive social change, and showcase their character as well.
Where your heart, mind, beliefs, and convictions lie is just as important as how you look, if not more so. This is why the Q&A portion of pageants is one of the most anticipated, because it showcases who the contestants are as a person. Some of the most iconic moments in beauty pageants happened during Q&A segments.
During the Q&A portion of the Miss Universe Philippines 2026 coronation night, that was very much the case. The Top 7 queens were all asked the same, timely 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?”, as each delegate took to the mic to share their thoughts on why the country and Filipinos will always be worth showing up for. Below, we rounded up our favorite answers.
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La Union, Bea Millan-Windorski
“The Philippines is something and a place that I’ve been 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.”
Taguig, Ysabella Ysmael
“Our country is going through a crisis right now. And although this is something that is not new to us, I believe that I am a representation of a Filipina who never gives up. I have stood on this stage before, but I came back not because this journey is easy, but because I believe 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.”
Cebu City, Apriel Smith
“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 am 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!”
Pampanga, Allyson Hetland
“It’s still very important to represent the Philippines on a 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.”
Featured Image and Photos: GENIO FRONDOZA
