Who is Bb. Pilipinas 2026 International Gwendoline Meliz Soriano?
Baguio's Gwendoline Meliz Soriano is one of the country's newest queens on the pageant stage as Binibining Pilipinas International 2026.
Soriano, 27, received her title at the 62nd Binibining Pilipinas pageant's coronation night on July 18 held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. She succeeded 2025 titleholder Katrina Anne Johnson from Davao.
The other big winner of the night was Sasha-Juli Belle Lacuna of Tarlac, who was crowned Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2026.
Get to know your Binibining Pilipinas International 2026, Gwendoline Meliz Soriano.
Politically aware
Through her reply in the question-and-answer round for the Top 12 candidates, Soriano shared how she plans to use her platform to speak up for what's right.
Judge Sen. Risa Hontiveros asked Soriano, "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," Soriano said.
"...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 [from] the country," she added.
Baguio advocate
In her promotional video for Binibining Pilipinas, Soriano wrote a fitting tribute to her hometown.
She began the video with an invitation as she was shown walking through a forest of Baguio's pine trees.
"Halika, huminga ka muna," she began.
"There's a place tucked in the mountains where time slows down, and the air feels softer the moment you arrive," Soriano said.
Celebrating the city's culture, color, stories, and heritage, Soriano described Baguio as a place that connects people more deeply to nature and teaches them about traditions passed down through generations.
Soriano's video was a showcase of Baguio's favorite tourist spots, including the Botanical Garden, Session Road, its forests of pine trees, coffee shops, art galleries, and roads dotted with street art.
Strong faith
In the Top 4's question-and-answer round, Soriano spoke about how she made it that far not just on her own merits.
"I'm here now not because of my own strength, not because of my own beauty and skills, but only by the grace of God," she said.
The newly crowned queen also refers to her faith on social media.
A clip she posted on Instagram in June showed her marveling at the tall pine trees around her. In the caption, she gave a glimpse into her deep faith.
"If God planted the dream, He also planned the way. Breath," Soriano wrote.
Continuous learner
Soriano earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from Trinity University of Asia and is now pursuing her second degree, this time in real estate.
Although she had to put her second degree on hold due to her Binibining Pilipinas activities, it looks like Soriano is keeping herself updated about real estate news. In mid-June, she was part of the launch of a real estate development in Baguio.
