Lance Joseph Martinez

Miss Universe Philippines 2026: Meet the Top Frontrunners After the Preliminary Competition

Article (news)

<p>The <strong>Miss Universe Philippines 2026</strong> organization unveiled the much-anticipated evening gown segment of its preliminary competition on April 5, 2026, giving fans a glimpse of the candidates’ elegance and stage presence. </p><p>Following the dazzling showcase of candidates from across the country, pageant enthusiasts and online communities quickly shared their predictions, naming their personal bets for the coveted crown, fueling excitement over who might emerge as the next Miss Universe Philippines.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="920" height="520" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EIvTCvBV10U?si=S8jzRENBLk3rvlCP" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br/></div><div><br/></div><p>While every candidate remains a strong contender and dark horses continue to surface, several standouts have begun to gain momentum, solidifying their status as this year’s frontrunners.</p><p>With that,<strong> </strong>here are the queens from various municipalities and provinces who truly made waves during the evening gown preliminary competition of Miss Universe Philippines 2026.<strong></strong></p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Roxie Baeyens, Baguio City</strong><strong><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1775554030334[image] - 3090640.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo by Steven Pascua via @roxieebae</span></span></span></strong></div><div><br/></div><p>A former <strong>Miss Philippines Earth 2020</strong> queen and <strong>Elemental Titleholder </strong>at<strong> Miss Earth 2020</strong>, Roxie Baeyens captivated audiences in a striking evening gown dubbed <strong>“The Silver Sea</strong>.<strong>”<br/></strong></p><p>Designed by <strong>Rian Fernandez</strong>,<strong> </strong>Roxie took to social media to describe the piece, writing, “A vision of sovereign elegance exquisitely handcrafted by Rian Fernandez, this sculpted one-shoulder trumpet gown commands the stage with quiet authority and undeniable power.”</p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Apriel Smith, Cebu City</strong><strong><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1775553973714[image] - 3631194.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo by Sean Salvador via @aprielsmith</span></span></span></strong></div><div><br/></div><p>A seasoned pageant contender, Apriel previously placed in the Top 15 at <strong>Binibining Pilipinas 2016 </strong>and reached the Top 16 of <strong>Miss Universe Philippines 2020</strong>, where she represented Cebu.</p><p>For the preliminary competition, she stunned in an evening gown titled <strong>“The Pink Lotus</strong>,<strong>”</strong> created by<strong> Oscar James</strong>. <strong></strong>Reflecting on the look, Apriel shared, “Resembling my growth from the past, rising with grace into who I am today,” she wrote.</p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Nicole Borromeo, Cebu Province</strong></div><div style="text-align:left"><strong><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1775553897372[image] - 1641855.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo by Believer Chuck via @nicole.borromeo</span></span></span></strong></div><div style="text-align:left"><br/></div><p>A former <strong>Binibining Pilipinas International 2022</strong> titleholder and third runner-up at <strong>Miss International 2023</strong>,<strong></strong> Nicole  brought both elegance and sentiment to the stage as she described her gown as something that <strong>“feels like home</strong>.<strong>”</strong></p><p>The piece, designed by <strong>Leo Almodal</strong>, <strong></strong>carried a deeply personal meaning for the Cebuana queen. Taking to social media, Nicole shared, “It carries a quiet kind of strength soft, steady, and deeply rooted. The movement, the way the light hits it reminds me of the waves, the warmth, and the stories I grew up with.”</p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Nicklyn Jutay, Iloilo</strong><strong><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1775553816692[image] - 105985.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo by Edward Mallada via @nicklyntigresjutay</span></span></span></strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Having previously competed at <strong>Binibining Pilipinas 2024</strong>, Nicklyn returned to the spotlight with renewed determination, donning a stunning creation by <strong>Erik Castelo</strong>.<strong></strong></p><p>Reflecting on her journey, Nicklyn shared a heartfelt message, writing, “And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it. My dream has officially moved from my heart to this stage.”</p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Bea Millan-Windorski, La Union</strong><strong><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1775553716354[image] - 5089284.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo by Philip Viktor via @bea.millan.windorski</span></span></span></strong></div><div><br/></div><p>A former <strong>Miss Earth USA 2024</strong> winner and <strong>Elemental Titleholder </strong>at<strong> Miss Earth 2024</strong>,<strong></strong> Bea turned heads in a standout evening gown by renowned designer <strong>Mark Bumgarner</strong>.<strong></strong></p><p>Drawing inspiration from her roots, Bea shared the story behind her look, writing, “Wrapped in the rich colors of La Union’s afterglow, the special moment after a sunset when the sky turns vibrant hues of violet, red, and plum. Structured by the strong waves of San Juan’s surf and the dynamic corals that lay beneath the surface, I carry the beauty of my home province’s environment with pride.”</p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Ashley Subijano Montenegro, Luisiana</strong><strong><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1775553658273[image] - 5858683.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo from @ashleysubijano</span></span></span></strong></div><div><br/></div><p>A titleholder of <strong>Miss Eco Philippines 2022</strong> and a Top 21 finalist at <strong>Miss Eco International 2023</strong>, <strong></strong>Ashley brought effortless glamour to the stage in a striking creation by designer <strong>Ryan Ablaza Uson</strong>.<strong></strong></p><p>Sharing a glimpse of her polished pageant moment on social media, Ashley captioned her post, “You know I’m somewhat practiced at being the lady in red,” alongside a series of elegant glam shots.</p><div> </div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Adela-Mae Marshall, Muntinlupa</strong></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWvOQNWubpB/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%3A576090%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="517" 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>A standout finalist from <strong><em>Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 6,</em></strong> Adela-Mae exuded sophistication in a midnight blue custom gown crafted by designer <strong>Marc Rancy</strong>.<strong></strong></p><p>Describing the piece, the designer shared, “A dress that perfectly embodies her quiet confidence and timeless elegance,” highlighting the gown’s refined silhouette and understated power.</p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Allyson Hetland, Pampanga</strong><strong><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1775553535612[image] - 8638379.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo by Brian Mamawan via @allyson.hetland</span></span></span></strong></div><div><br/></div><p>“Rising in grace, floating in depth,” the Pampanga beauty shared as she described her stunning preliminary evening gown, capturing its elegance and emotional depth.</p><p>Allyson also expressed her gratitude to designer <strong>Frederick Policarpio</strong>, writing, “Thank you, Sir Frederick Policarpio, for crafting this wonderful preliminary gown and walking this journey with me since day one. And to all the incredible people behind this moment, thank you from the bottom of my heart.”</p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Bella Ysmael, Taguig</strong></div><div style="text-align:left"><strong><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1775553471277[image] - 8862255.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo from @bellaysmael</span></span></span></strong></div><div style="text-align:left"><br/></div><p>A first runner-up at <strong>Miss Universe Philippines 2020 </strong>where she represented Parañaque, Bella  captivated in a sculpted mermaid gown by designer<strong> Rian Fernandez</strong>,<strong></strong> a piece that beautifully embodied fluidity and elegance.</p><p>The creation, described as a work that “captures the poetry of motion in every line,” drew inspiration from the ocean’s mystique and the enchanting presence of a siren. In her own words, she shared, “Inspired by the mystique of the ocean and the allure of a siren in motion, it is rendered in a luminous sea foam mint over sheer illusion. This piece is a celebration of motion and movement… Rules the sea, crowned in destiny,” she wrote.</p><div><br/></div><p>Lead photos from <strong>Steven Pascua, Believer Chuck, </strong>and<strong> Philip Viktor</strong></p>

<p>Here are the queens from various municipalities and provinces who turned heads and made a lasting impression during the evening gown preliminary competition of Miss Universe Philippines 2026.</p>

Here are the queens from various municipalities and provinces who turned heads and made a lasting impression during the evening gown preliminary competition of Miss Universe Philippines 2026.

Miss Universe Philippines 2026: The Top Frontrunners After the Preliminary Competition

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Miss Universe Philippines 2026: The Top Frontrunners After the Preliminary Competition

Lance Joseph Martinez

Published April 08, 2026 02:03 PM PHT

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Miss Universe Philippines 2026

Roxie Baeyens

Baguio City

Apriel Smith

Cebu City

Nicole Borromeo

Cebu Province

Nicklyn Jutay

Iloilo

Bea Millan-Windorski

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