LIVE UPDATES: Miss Universe Philippines 2026 coronation night
The Miss Universe Philippines 2026 pageant is on!
Tonight, May 2, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, a new queen will be crowned from among 31 candidates vying for the most coveted beauty title in the Philippines. Miss Universe Philippines 2025 titleholder and Miss Universe 2025 third runner-up Ahtisa Manalo will be on hand to crown her successor.
Whittled down from 51 delegates, the 31 bets will be further cut down following a swimsuit competition, the evening gown segment, and a question-and-answer portion until only the country's winning queen remains.
This year's pageant is being hosted by drag superstar Marina Summers, who was a finalist at Season 2 of RuPaul's Drag Race: UK vs. The World.
Stay on this page to get updates on the coronation night as it happens with PhilSTAR L!fe's live coverage.
Swimsuit competition: MUPh candidates turn up the heat
The candidates brought summer vibes to the MUPh stage during the pageant's swimsuit segment.
The Top 30 looked stunning in white two-piece swimwear. Adding more fun to their ensembles is a colorful cape.
They finished off their looks with nude heels and striking earrings.
Top 30 semifinalists revealed
The Top 30 candidates have been announced.
Here are the bets who are joining the next round of the competition:
- Albay: Alexandra Krishna Oriño
- Muntinlupa: Adela Mae Marshall
- Sultan Kudarat: Jenrose Javier
- Sarangani: Nicole Cruz
- Rizal: Alicia Buendia
- Quezon Province: Patricia Ella Evangelista
- Ilocos Norte: Cherieze Cacayorin
- Pangasinan: Donna Rein Nuguid
- Cavite: Jencel Caña
- Negros Occidental: Alexandra Colmenares
- Mountain Province: Lyneree Montero Yodong
- Tandag City: Chrsytel Mae Correos
- Camiguin: Erica Cadayday
- San Jose, Negros Oriental: Jayka Munsayac
- Manila: Justine Felizarta
- Cebu Province: Nicole Borromeo
- Pampanga: Allyson Hetland
- Taguig: Ysabella Ysmael
- La Union: Bea Millan Windorski
- Laguna: Ysabel Prats
- Tarlac: Marian Arellano
- Cebu City: Apriel Smith
- Baguio City: Roxie Baeyens
- Iloilo City: Zestah Espinosa
- Tacloban City: Jacqueline Gulrajani
- Iligan City: Trexy Paris Roxas
- Cotabato Province: Clarissa Westram
- Luisiana, Laguna: Ashley Subijano Montenegro
- Samar Island: Catherine Wardle
- Santo Tomas, La Union: Rachel Hanna Gozum
The MUPh 2026 pageant begins
Reigning MUPh queen Ahtisa Manalo was all smiles as she opened the show.
"On this stage, a new Filipina will rise to conquer the Universe," she said as she greeted the crowd with a smile.
P-pop group BGYO brought excitement with a fun performance as the 31 candidates took the stage with an opening number in blue ensembles.
International drag queen Marina Summers then entered the stage as host. "Tonight I stand here not just as your host but as someone who loves this stage just as much as you do," she said.
This year's pageant is being hosted by drag superstar Marina Summers, who was a finalist at Season 2 of RuPaul's Drag Race: UK vs. The World. LIVE UPDATES: https://t.co/s0StBoYlif#MissUniversePhilippines2026
— PhilSTAR L!fe (@philstarlife) May 2, 2026
(Screenshots: Empire PH / YouTube) pic.twitter.com/l5mnQ2qHdo
Meet the selection committee
The Miss Universe Philippines organization has introduced the judging panel for this year's tilt.
The lineup brings together a diverse mix of voices from entertainment, fashion, media, business, and beauty:
- Jennylyn Mercado — Actress, CEO of DLN Skin
- Crystal Jacinto — Founder, Villa Medica Philippines
- Carlos Garcia Candal — CEO, GMG Productions
- Zhao Na — Miss Universe Asia 2025
- Ida Aldana — Executive Editor, Cosmopolitan Philippines
- Gazini Ganados — Miss Universe Philippines 2019
- Peewee Reyes Isidro — Editor-in-Chief, MEGA Magazine
- Rhett Eala — Fashion Designer
- Hayden Kho Jr. — Co-Chairman, Belo Group of Companies
- Bryan Lim — VP, Suyen Corporation
