Lance Joseph Martinez

First 10 Queens Advance to the Miss Universe Philippines 2026 Semifinals

Article (news)

<p>The race to the <strong>Miss Universe Philippines 2026</strong> crown is heating up, with the competition growing even more intense as the organization unveils the first set of queens advancing to the semifinals.</p><p>Ahead of the highly anticipated coronation night on May 2, a total of <strong>30 semifinalists</strong> will take the stage—including 10 wildcard contenders selected from previously eliminated candidates throughout the pageant’s activities.</p><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DXjlmCVj1Vf/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=1080&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A1912552.0000000002%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="879" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>During the finale, the semifinalists will compete in the swimsuit round, trimming the roster down to 15. This will be followed by the evening gown segment, where only seven will advance, before the final question-and-answer determines the next Miss Universe Philippines and her runners-up.</p><p>Securing an early advantage, the first 10 queens have officially locked in their spots at the coronation night after emerging as top picks through public voting—placing them one step closer to the crown.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Cavite - Jencel Caña</strong><strong><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1777269487958[image] - 9809143.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></strong><br/></div><p style="text-align:left">&quot;My why, my home, my strength. My family… the ones who hold me together and remind me why I keep going. I carry them with me in every step, in MUPH and in life,&quot; Miss Cavite wrote.</p><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Ilocos Norte (Filipino Society of Hawaii) - Charieze Cacayorin</strong><strong><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1777269518139[image] - 8209207.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></strong><br/></div><p>&quot;As we approach the end of this journey, I am reminded of how truly grateful I am to have such a supportive family. They way I see my mom constantly updating everyone and encouraging everyone to vote no matter how late at night it is.. the way my dad protects me even when were thousands of miles away… the way they both remind me to seize every opportunity while staying true to who I am is a milestone I will forever cherish,&quot; Miss Ilocos Norte wrote.</p><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Mountain Province - Lyneree Montero-Yodong </strong></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1777269540019[image] - 5803934.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></strong><br/></div><p style="text-align:left">&quot;As we enter the final week of @themissuniverseph , I can’t help but look back on the years I quietly wondered if I would ever step onto a national stage. At one point, I have honestly given up on that dream and focused on building a better life for my family. Always prioritizing my dream for them over mine. And just when I told myself, “maybe I cant.” God reminded me that HE CAN, and He did. He made a way when I couldn’t see one,&quot; Miss Mountain Province wrote.</p><p style="text-align:left">She then added, &quot;This journey hasn’t been easy, but I can honestly say I’ve given it my all for every segment, from the tourism video, to the nat cos, the gown, every single day...alongside my family and team, who have poured their hearts into this with the resources we have. Now, here we are, with one last chance to make it even further. If my story has touched you in any way, I would be so grateful for your support.&quot;</p><div style="text-align:left"><br/></div><div style="text-align:left"><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Negros Occidental - Alexandra Colmenares </strong><strong><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1777269560336[image] - 7627915.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></strong><br/></div><p><strong></strong>&quot;Every woman on stage shines because of the people who help her rise behind the scenes. Aside from my real family who quietly supports me, I am also blessed with a glam family who has been by my side every step of the way, my hairstylist (@paugrandeza ), makeup artist(@nattie_sabido), pasarela coaches(@andres.mabalon ), designers, photographer (@rayvenco @jameslarnelle @rainer_co.27@khalilportraitsph ), local team and director (@kashmeregranada @missuniversenegrosisland)&quot; Miss Negros Occidental shared.</p><p>She then added, &quot;They believed in me from the very start of my pageant journey, saw my potential, and continue to push me to become better. They are not just a team, but the family I gained through this journey.&quot;<strong></strong></p><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Pangasinan - Donna Rein Nuguid </strong><strong><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1777269593077[image] - 6284526.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></strong><br/></div><p><strong></strong>&quot;Kabaleyan, to every heart that believed in this journey and every soul who made it unforgettable—today is our final stand. You turned this dream into something real. Now, let’s rise together and gently reach for the crown we’ve been dreaming of. Lagi’t lagi, para sa Pangasinan,&quot; Miss Pangasinan wrote.<strong></strong></p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Quezon Province  (Filipino Society of Australia) - Patricia Ella Evangelista </strong><strong><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1777269622798[image] - 5808495.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></strong><br/></div><p style="text-align:left">“My partner in life, walking every step together,” Miss Quezon Province shared, posting a series of photos with her significant other as she described her as her constant source of inspiration.</p><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Rizal (Filipino Society of Southern California) - Alicia Buendia </strong><strong><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1777269647416[image] - 6129052.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></strong><br/></div><p style="text-align:left">&quot;As we reach the last day of voting, I look back on everything it took to get here, the long nights, early call times, and every sacrifice in between. Through it all, my family has been a constant reminder of my purpose for being here. Even from a country away, they’ve reminded me that support knows no distance. They’ve helped ground me in my purpose, to connect Filipinos globally, no matter where we were raised,&quot; Miss Rizal stated.</p><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>San Jose, Negros Oriental (Filipino Society of Bellevue, Washington) - Jayka Munsayac</strong><strong><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1777269676238[image] - 3438881.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></strong><br/></div><p style="text-align:left">&quot;Missing my dogs extra today… the kind of miss that makes you want to drop everything and go home. But I know they’d be the first ones pushing me forward, tails wagging, telling me to finish what I started. So for now, I’ll hold onto that and keep going,&quot; Miss San Jose, Negros Oriental wrote.</p><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Sultan Kudarat - Jenrose Javier</strong><strong><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1777269695576[image] - 2313213.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></strong><br/></div><p style="text-align:left">&quot;My family has always been my anchor, the reason I stand strong and continue to dream. And my mom, standing right beside me, is the embodiment of that love—my strength, my guide, and my constant reminder to never give up,&quot; Miss Sultan Kudarat wrote. </p><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Tandag City - Chrystel Mae Correos</strong><strong><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1777269723637[image] - 1401907.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></strong><br/></div><p style="text-align:left">&quot;To the people who made me who I am today, this is for all of you (insert Brendan and Carole),&quot; Miss Tandag City wrote.</p><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><p style="text-align:left">Photos by <strong>Filbert Kung via @themissuniverseph</strong></p>

<p>Here are the first 10 queens who have officially secured their spots in the coronation night after ranking as top picks in the public voting, bringing them one step closer to the crown. #MUPH</p>

Here are the first 10 queens who have officially secured their spots in the coronation night after ranking as top picks in the public voting, bringing them one step closer to the crown. #MUPH