Sports Day

 MUPh 2026 includes new sports challenge as pre-pageant activity

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte

After the announcement that there will be no preliminary competition this year, the Miss Universe Philippines (MUPh) organization presented another innovation to its competition this year with the addition of a sports challenge

Miss Universe Philippines Luisiana 2026 Ashley Subijano Montenegro said that when VP Voltaire Tayag informed the delegates about the sportsfest, she was calm about it as she has experienced a similar challenge with the Miss World Philippines before. “I think the sports event will not alter the outcome of the competition, but rather enhance it. Me and my co-candidates will have fun with it. Pilates would be my preferred sport to compete in as it is more relaxed compared to the other two,” she added.

The 51 official delegates can choose from either badminton, pickleball, or pilates. It would be a bonus if the sports challenge winner qualifies for a quarterfinal or semifinal placement, as this would give the delegates more chances to compete for the main title.

Miss Universe Philippines Manila 2026 Justine Felizarta agrees with Ashley as both have partcipated in MWP’s Sports Challenge, in their respective years of competition – Justine in 2022 and Ashley in 2023.

“I’m a very active person. I love badminton as well as pilates. This sportsfest will prove the fitness skills of the delegates. It will give our fans and supporters an idea how we maintain our bodies and overall health.

“I’ve been living an active lifestyle even before joining pageantry. I’ll probably choose to compete in pilates because I believe in its holistic approach to strenthen your core. This is a good workout regimen for those who want to stay healthy,” shared the Super Bods winner.

The MUPh 2026 Sports Challenge is a one-day activity that slated to take place on March 17. Stay tuned!