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The livestream may have already wrapped as viewers flock to the online polls, but the women of Miss Universe Philippines 2026 remain unforgettable. Held on Easter Sunday at the City of Dreams Manila, the preliminary evening gown competition offered a sweeping preview of the grace set to define this year’s race to the crown. Across fifty localities, the candidates wore their heritage alongside the work of their chosen designers.
As the competition moves toward the next round of preliminaries, here are the delegates who stood out most for their beauty, poise, and presence.
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Roxie Baeyens, Baguio City
A queen who understands stillness is magnetic. Roxie Baeyens, a seasoned campaigner who previously held the Miss Philippines Earth 2020 title, brought that wisdom to the stage in a gossamer Rian Fernandez creation. The asymmetrical trumpet gown, alive with fluid embellishments, drew from the calm strength of ocean waves. With the body of work she has already built, Baeyens carries the clarity of someone who knows exactly what the crown demands.
Apriel Smith, Cebu City
Apriel Smith is writing a compelling chapter in her Cebuana legacy. Crowned as the first-ever Binibining Cebu in 2017 and a veteran of the unique 2020 Miss Universe Philippines “bubble” edition, she has returned to the national fold with renewed vigor. For the preliminaries, she donned a pink serpentina silhouette by Oscar James Arias to evoke the “Pink Lotus.” The choice is fitting for a candidate whose journey continues to unfold with feminine tenacity.
Nicole Borromeo, Cebu Province
To call Nicole Borromeo a frontrunner almost understates the weight of her international resume. As Binibining Pilipinas International 2022, she ascended to the global stage in Japan and secured a 3rd Runner-Up spot at Miss International 2023—a placement that puts her in an elite class of Filipino achievers. Appointed to represent Cebu Province alongside Apriel Smith, Borromeo appeared in a champagne gown by Leo Almodal.
Bea Millan-Windorski, La Union
While the evening saw its share of grand trains and voluminous skirts, Bea Millan-Windorski glided forth in a sensual, rib-baring plum piece by Mark Bumgarner that let her frame do the talking. The rich violet tones borrowed from the afterglow of a La Union sunset—a homage to the surf and coral of San Juan. It was a head-turning look brought to life by Millan-Windorski’s resplendent confidence.
Justine Felizarta, Manila
Representing the capital itself, none can deny that Justine Felizarta knows how to persevere. From the Miss Manila stage in 2014 to a 1st Runner-Up finish at Miss Tourism World 2022, her journey spans over a decade. In Daniel Manila’s hot pink number—complete with a bold leg-baring bouffant-bustle—she injected a dose of playful power into the preliminaries. Beyond the sparkle, Felizarta carries the sensibilities of a modern businesswoman, reflecting the city she represents.
Lyneree Montero-Yodong, Mountain Province
There is a mystical allure that follows Lyneree Montero-Yodong, and it has nothing to do with predictability. Recognized early in the season as one of the most stylish delegates, she has a distinct presence that bridges Cordilleran heritage with pageant fashion. For the evening gown round, she chose a custom piece by Ehrran Montoya, detailed with tambour beadwork and fern-inspired patterns referencing the geography of Sagada’s Blue Soil Hills.
Alex Colmenares, Negros Occidental
When Alex Colmenares stepped into the light in radiant gold by Gee Ai Miranda, she embodied the very spirit of her province’s moniker: the Sugarlands. The shimmering elegance of the golden concept paid tribute to the richness and luminous industry that defines Negros Occidental. Here is a woman who clearly intends to be remembered long after the final walk.
Allyson Hetland, Pampanga
Allyson Hetland has already carved out a space for herself as a style maven, having been recognized at the pageant’s first Sports Fest for her polished appearance. She brought that same discerning eye to the evening gown preliminary in a soft blue Frederick Policarpio piece. With its elaborate bodice beadwork and cool-toned shimmer, she dazzled with her concept of “Rising in Grace, Floating in Depth.”
Jen Rose Javier, Sultan Kudarat
Some candidates wear the light of their province; Jen Rose Javier arrived draped in the warmth of Sultan Kudarat’s golden fields. In a yellow Leo Almodal number, she brought the narrative of a province that continues to rise with pride. She radiates a purpose that extends beyond the stage—a light from Mindanao shining steadily toward the universe.
Marian Arellano, Tarlac
Finally, Marian Arellano’s ivory Odelon Simpao piece symbolized the enduring strength of Tarlac. The silhouette drew inspiration from the lines of the Tarlac Provincial Capitol, while a sheer cape mirrored the gentle plains and the hallowed grounds of the Capas National Shrine. Arellano moved with poise, as if her home was woven into every seam.
Photos: ROXIE BAEYENS (via Instagram), APRIEL SMITH (via Instagram), NICOLE BORROMEO (via Instagram), BEA MILLAN-WINDORSKI (via Instagram), JUSTINE FELIZARTA (via Instagram), LYNEREE MONTERO-YODONG (via Instagram), ALEX COLMENARES (via Instagram), ALLYSON HETLAND (via instagram), JEN ROSE JAVIER (via Instagram), and MARIAN ARELLANO (via Instagram)
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