TRANSCRIPT: Binibining Pilipinas 2026 Top 12 Q&A
A Binibining Pilipinas crown takes more than a stunning walk and a dazzling gown—it also demands grace under pressure.
During the 62nd Binibining Pilipinas coronation night on July 18 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the Top 12 finalists took center stage for the competition's much-awaited question-and-answer round.
In just less than a minute, the candidates were challenged to articulate their thoughts on a variety of issues important topics, from artificial intelligence to government issues.
Read on to see how the finalists answered their questions:
Anne Klein Castro of Pampanga
A European country has already banned the use of AI or Artificial Intelligence for students under 13. What pre-AI tools have helped you in school that you wish today's students could also experience?
I think there are a lot of pre-AI tools that have helped all the students, most especially in this generation. In these times where we've learned how to embrace digitalization, I know that we must also remember that in using artificial intelligence, it must be with limit and consideration.
We must prioritize the humanitarian skills and capabilities because, at the end of the day, we must know how to use artificial intelligence. This should not invade us, humans.
Gwendoline Meliz Soriano of Baguio City
How do political and government issues affect you when you have been very busy for months already with your goal of winning a crown tonight?
As a Filipina aiming not just for the crown, but for this platform so I could finally speak and stand for the things that I believe in, I've been very aware of our government issues, even global issues.
And I'm proud to say that right now, as I stand here, I'm very happy that you are here so that we can have discussions about things that matter in our country. And I would like to also encourage everyone, let's be aware and let's demand the things that we deserve for the country.
Angelica Arwin Evora of Oriental Mindoro
Many people often dream of changing the whole world. Do you think changing just one person's life is enough? Why or why not?
I believe changing one person's life is enough. I came here together with my story as a sexual abuse survivor at the age of six, who was so afraid of growing up and so afraid that she thought her life might end there.
But she was inspired by other people to go on with her life, and now she's an advocate of sexual abuse awareness. And I believe I am here to bring this message to the whole world that I am inspired by other people, that other people changed my story, and now it's my time to change other people's story as well.
Julianne Raine Antonio of Dumaguete City
Convince the audience in one minute to visit your hometown instead of Boracay.
My hometown reminds me of my lola and she's gentle, she's kind, she's soft-spoken. And Dumaguete is a wonderful place in a time full of so much stress to just relax and unwind and hang out by the boulevard, listen to the birds, meet new people, stay by the ocean. And it just helps you relax and that's why you should visit Dumaguete.
Gwyneth Jemimah Chan of Cagayan de Oro
Ube or purple yam is currently enjoying global attention. In what ways do you want our ube farmers to benefit from this surge in global attention?
The world has enjoyed ube and it is my favorite, too. And I believe that our farmers should benefit from it. Our government should create programs so our farmers can benefit.
Because true progress is about giving people what they need. If we hand-in-hand help our farmers because they are the ones who put food on our table, then we can live in a world where everyone has given equal opportunities to thrive. And of course, everyone can taste the flavorful ube.
Anjali Pradeep Kumar of La Union
At this time and age of inclusivity and diversity, how do you make your individuality shine above the rest?
I make my individuality shine above the rest by being my most authentic self. People have asked me why did I join beauty pageants? And my simple answer is that I am a youth advocate. I am here because I am authentic, I am confident, and I am someone who is considerate when it comes to our community.
And I hope that everyone continues to be advocates in their own ways. Continue to let your individuality shine in your own ways.
Patricia Lynn Beerda of Iloilo
What advice do your parents give you on how to keep improving yourself as a woman of your age, given the challenging social circumstances we face nowadays?
My parents have always driven me to be a very ambitious individual. At a young age, I decided to study, and last year I graduated with a Master of Laws. I see that this is a field where women are maybe overlooked, but I show that we can do anything we put our hearts and minds to.
I am a versatile woman, an empowered Filipina, and a Binibini who is able to showcase that we are multifaceted individuals.
Tracy Mae Sunio of Bacolod City
With all the demanding challenges we are now facing as a nation and as a people, as a Filipina, what makes you remain hopeful?
The very reason why I am hopeful for our country is because I believe in us Filipinos. Because we have the heart of bayanihan, and I know that we won't let our country fall down. We will strive and rise above all our challenges and adversities. Because again, we are Filipinos, and we should be proud of it.
Sasha-Juli Belle Lacuna of Tarlac
How do you value and protect your privacy now that we've all lost much of our privacy because of the intrusive nature of social media?
This is one of the core factors on why I've really considered into joining pageants in the first place. I protect my own privacy. And through social media, I set my own boundaries. This is why I encourage everyone to please respect us public figures and everyone you interact with online. Because behind every screen, everyone is just as human as you are.
Jarina Sandhu of Cauayan, Isabela
My question is, how do you react and what actions do you take after a vision or a mission you planned well, worked hard for, and even prayed for fails according to your own standards and expectations?
As a Filipina who was born and raised here in the Philippines, I have learned that as a Filipina, we have the spirit of resiliency. And as women, we are the masters of our destiny.
We may fall once, but we can always rise twice. Stronger, braver, and wiser. I may fail many times in my life, but my story is not just about struggles. It's about courage, determination, and dedication to stand tall despite it all. Let us continue to spread our wings and soar higher.
Mylene Manschus of Tanza
Are you worried about how artificial intelligence can and will most likely assume or take on jobs and skills that can affect your income opportunities for you and your family?
I am worried about how artificial intelligence can take over the jobs that us Filipinos have. Because at the end of the day, artificial intelligence both have an advantage and a disadvantage.
And I urge the companies to use this wisely. Because AI can never replace the hard work of the people. They can never replace the passion that the people put into their work. AI should simply improve. It should never ever take over the Filipino workforce.
Pauline Thea Ann Ibuyan of Aklan
A recent study showed Filipino workers as the most stressed in Southeast Asia. What has stressed you the most at work and how did you handle it?
Well, in this pageant, I consider this as my job because I take it very seriously. And I handle it with further determination whenever there is a setback. Because I understand that in order to be the best, you have to be humble, and understand that you need to have the ability to be the best and adjust in order to be your very best.