TRANSCRIPT: Miss Universe Philippines 2026 Top 7 Q&A
The Top 7 candidates of Miss Universe Philippines 2026 delivered their final impressions during the question-and-answer segment as they moved closer to the crown.
For their last chance to earn the highly coveted title at the May 2 coronation night, they each had to answer one question:
Many Filipinos are getting frustrated with the country. For you, why is it still worth it to represent the Philippines on the global stage?
Read how the candidates answered the question below.
Jenrose Javier (Sultan Kudarat)
Miss Universe Philippines symbolizes not just glamour; it represents us all. Through Miss Universe Philippines, we have advocacies, and through these advocacies, we help our communities. I believe that we, Filipina women, are not just a light of beauty, but we are also a carrier of [the] dreams and aspirations of our nation. Thank you.
Bea Millan-Windorski (La Union)
The Philippines is a place I fell in love with my whole life. Growing up in a predominantly non-diverse part of the United States, I was identified as Filipina first and foremost. I often had to point where the Philippines was on a map to my peers, and I always felt a sense of belonging and home. I chose to pack my life into balikbayan boxes and suitcases because I believe in the limitless potential of the Filipino people and the fact that we need to create local opportunities here so that people don't have to go abroad and be separated from their families in order to survive and thrive. If I were given the title of Miss Universe Philippines, I promise to be a public servant for all.
Apriel Smith (Cebu City)
I do understand that we, Filipinos, feel that way because we care deeply and we know that we deserve better. As an OFW myself, I always send money back home and I feel frustrated too. But as long as we know that we show up... we don't just share struggles, but we share the stories of hope, culture, and heritage for us being Filipino. And I'm ready to represent each one of you, to all Filipinos out there, that we don't stop raising our flag because the Philippines is worth believing in. Mabuhay tayong mga Pilipino!
Marian Arellano (Tarlac)
I grew up with an OFW mother, and my father is a security guard. With this, I learned to be independent. So as a representative of the Philippines in the stage, I will bring this story that inspires, and I will speak up [for] other people. And I believe this [independence] molded me as an empowered Filipina, because an empowered Filipina has the light that empowers and forces the universe. Thank you so much.
Ysabella Ysmael (Taguig)
Our country is going through a crisis right now, and although this is something that's not new to us, I believe that I'm a representation of a Filipina who never gives up. I have stood on this stage before, but I came back not just because this journey is easy, but because I believe that dreams are worth chasing. I'm here before you because I want to prove that we, Filipinos, although we may stumble and fall sometimes, we will always soar, twice as high.
Nicole Borromeo (Cebu Province)
As someone who has not only represented the country, I have lived what it means to be Filipina and I have seen the growth and the power that it takes to represent the country globally. The Philippines has so much to offer—not just the people, not just the stories, but our hearts, and that deserves to be spread all throughout the universe.
Allyson Hetland (Pampanga)
I believe that it's still very important to represent the Philippines on the global stage because the Philippines has so much to offer. From its beautiful mountains to its very beautiful beaches, the Philippines is such a beautiful country to live in. And I know that the most powerful [thing] I have is to use my voice and be that example that we Filipinos are strong, independent, confident, and beautiful. Thank you.
Millan-Windorski ended up winning the MUPh 2026 crown at the pageant. She will represent the Philippines in the 75th Miss Universe pageant, which is set to take place at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The finals night was held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. It was hosted by international drag superstar Marina Summers—a finalist at Season 2 of RuPaul's Drag Race: UK vs. The World. Check out PhilSTAR L!fe's full coverage of the MUPh 2026 pageant here.
