Lance Joseph Martinez

The Frontrunners Vying for the Crown at the Inaugural Reina Filipinas

Article (news)

<p>A new era in Philippine pageantry is about to unfold with the arrival of<strong> Reina Filipinas</strong>,<strong></strong> a new national competition dedicated to uplifting and empowering Filipinas on a grander stage.</p><p>Set to hold its inaugural edition this year, Reina Filipinas is led by <strong>Jojo Bragais</strong>,<strong></strong> CEO of <strong></strong>Jojo Bragais Shoes,<strong></strong> as president. <strong>Miss Grand International 2025 Emma Tiglao </strong>serves as the national director, while Miss Grand International president <strong>Nawat Itsaragrisil </strong>joins the organization as executive partner.</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/reel/Daue4EFTTXI/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%3A1767644%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" 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>The competition will award three coveted titles: <strong>Reina Filipinas Grand International </strong>and two <strong>Reina Filipinas All Stars</strong> crowns. The Grand International titleholder will represent the Philippines at Miss Grand International, while the two All Stars winners are set to compete in the upcoming <strong>MGI All Stars </strong>pageant.</p><p>Last night, the organization officially unveiled its 21 candidates, who will vie for the inaugural crowns. The roster brings together a compelling mix of seasoned beauty queens, promising fresh faces, and aspirants ready for a long-awaited return to the pageant stage.</p><p>From the impressive lineup, <strong>METRO</strong> narrows the field to seven frontrunners whose presence and pageant credentials could make the inaugural Reina Filipinas competition even more exciting.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Alexie Brooks</strong><strong><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1784018824680[image] - 412410.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Alexie Brooks enters the competition with an already impressive pageant resume, having built recognition both in the Philippines and on the international stage.</p><p>In 2024, Alexie represented Iloilo City at <strong>Miss Universe Philippines</strong> after first earning the <strong>Miss Iloilo </strong>title earlier that year. She went on to place in the national pageant’s Top 10 before being appointed <strong>Miss Eco Philippines 2025</strong>.<strong></strong></p><p>She later carried the Philippine flag at <strong>Miss Eco International 2025</strong>,<strong></strong> where she earned the<strong> Best in National Costume</strong> award and ultimately captured the international crown.</p><p>With her commanding stage presence, natural charisma, and polished pasarela, Alexie is widely seen as a strong contender—one whom pageant fans believe could be on her way to adding another national and international title to her name.</p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Angelica Lopez</strong><strong><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1784018879860[image] - 4724678.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Angelica Lopez returns to the pageant spotlight representing Palawan; this time, with her sights set on a grander stage at Reina Filipinas.</p><p>Her national pageant journey began at <strong>Miss Universe Philippines 2022</strong>,<strong></strong> where she secured a<strong> Top 16 </strong>placement. A year later, Angelica claimed her first national title at <strong>Binibining Pilipinas 2023</strong>,<strong></strong> earning the Binibining Pilipinas International crown.</p><p>Following more than a year of preparation, she represented the Philippines at <strong>Miss International 2024</strong>.<strong></strong> While she did not advance to the finals, the experience only added to the Palawan beauty’s growing pageant credentials.</p><p>Now, Angelica is ready to make another bid for a national crown. Known for her strong performance as a candidate, she enters Reina Filipinas with the experience, determination, and poise to pursue another opportunity to represent the country on the international stage.</p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Anne Patricia Diaz</strong></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1784018955938[image] - 256370.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></strong></div><div><br/></div><p>After making her mark in both local and international competitions, Anne Patricia Diaz is setting her sights on Reina Filipinas as she takes on another national pageant challenge.</p><p>A proud transgender woman and advocate for her community, Anne continues to use the pageant stage to champion representation and empowerment.</p><p>In 2025, she won the <strong>Miss International Queen Philippines</strong> title and went on to represent the country at <strong>Miss International Queen 2025</strong>, <strong></strong>where she finished in the Top 6. Now, Anne enters Reina Filipinas with renewed determination, hoping to earn another chance to represent the Philippines on the international stage.</p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Isabella Ortega</strong><strong><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1784018971628[image] - 7191189.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Internet personality Isabella Ortega is stepping into a new chapter of her career as she makes her national pageant debut as an official Reina Filipinas candidate. Known for her growing online presence, Isabella has built a sizable following and partnered with major beauty and fashion names, including <strong>YSL Beauty</strong>,<strong> Laura Mercier</strong>,<strong> </strong>and<strong> Dolce &amp; Gabbana</strong>.<strong></strong></p><p>While she may be a fresh face in the pageant world, Isabella brings confidence, charisma, and an established flair for the spotlight—qualities that could set the tone for her Reina Filipinas journey.</p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Kristen Joy Marcelino</strong></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1784019063040[image] - 1468456.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></strong></div><div><br/></div><p>After making her national pageant debut at <strong>Miss Universe Philippines 2026 </strong>as <strong>Pateros</strong>’ representative, Kristen Joy Marcelino is ready for another turn in the spotlight; this time, through Reina Filipinas.</p><p>“The fight begins now,” Kristen declared as she officially announced her candidacy. Remaining proud of her roots, she will once again represent her hometown of Pateros as she stages her return to the pageant arena.</p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Scarlett de Mesa</strong><strong><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1784019019639[image] - 6140954.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Fresh from her <strong>Miss Universe Philippines 2026 </strong>journey, Scarlett de Mesa is taking on another pageant challenge as one of the official candidates of Reina Filipinas. With her striking presence and standout physique, de Mesa is also making waves in the fitness scene as a recent <strong>Century Tuna Superbods 2026 </strong>participant.</p><p>Beyond the spotlight, she shares a purpose rooted in motherhood: “As a mom, I believe that being healthy isn’t just for me. It’s for my family, especially for my son.”</p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Zeah Nestle Pala</strong><strong><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1784019034740[image] - 5795678.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></strong></div><div><br/></div><p>After winning<strong> It’s Showtime Sexy Babe 2025</strong>, Zeah Nestle Pala is embarking on an exciting new chapter as an official Reina Filipinas candidate.</p><p>With her hosting experience on <strong><em>It’s Showtime Online U</em></strong>, Pala brings strong communication skills and ease in front of the camera. Now, she is ready to showcase her charisma, pasarela, and confidence on the pageant stage as she vies for one of Reina Filipinas’ three crowns.</p><div><br/></div><p>Photos from <strong>@reina_filipinas</strong></p>

<p>Meet the Filipina queens who captured attention following Reina Filipinas’ grand reveal as they compete in the pageant’s inaugural edition. </p>

Meet the Filipina queens who captured attention following Reina Filipinas’ grand reveal as they compete in the pageant’s inaugural edition.