La Union

 Former elemental queen wins MUPh 2026 crown

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte

Bea Millan Windorski of La Union was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2026 in glitzy rites at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The former Miss Earth Water, qho represented the USA in 2024, was the lone winner announced during the evening’s competition.

In year’s past, two runners up, a tourism title, as well as a charity title were announced prior to the night’s big winner.

The four other Miss Philippines titles (Supranational, Cosmo, Eco International, and Charm will be given out in a separate occasion; and only if the delegate chose to accept a crown other than the Miss Universe title during the contract signing at the very beginning of the entire pageant.

Bea was crowned by outgoing queen Ma. Ahtisa Manalo, after MUPh national director Ariella Arida announced her as rhe victor.

She bested 49 other hopefuls, excluding two other delegates who withdrew from the competition earlier on. With one currently competing at the Miss Grand All-Stars in Bangkok, Thailand.

The six other delegates who were with her in the Final Round were Bella Ysmael (Taguig), Nicole Borromeo (Cebu Province), Marian Dela Cruz Arellano (Tarlac), Allyson Hetland (Pampanga), Apriel Smith (Cebu City), and automatic placer Jenrose Javier (Sultan Kudarat), who won as People’s Choice awardee in the Pina Beauty online poll.

Bea was a shoo-in for the national crown, lobbying for her representation even before the 2026 pageant season even began – proving the adage that the early bird does get the worms. In this instance, the national title.

The three other delegates who received special awards were Avee Kultsar of Las Piñas (Miss Congeniality), Kristen Marcelino of Pateros (Miss Photogenic), and Justine Beatrice Felizarta of Manila (Best in Swimsuit).

International guests included Miss Universe VP for Asiana Nawat Itsaragrisil, Miss Universe 2025 1st runner-up Praveenar Singh of Thailand, Mister Supranational 2025 Swann Lavigne of France, Man of the World 2024 Sergio Azuaga from Venezuela, and Miss Universe China national director Owen Chue.

Hosted by drag arriste Marina Summers, with an opening number from P-Pop group BGYO, the 2026 Miss Universe Philippines coronation night unfolded from the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, and was beamed live to a global audience through Empire PH’s channel on YouTube.

Those who missed the live event caught the encore telecast the following morning, May 3, 9 am on TV 5.

This year’s selection committee included Suyen Corp. VP Bryan Lim, Mega’s Peewee Isidro, actor-entrepreneur Jennylyn Mercado, Carlos Garcia Candal, Miss Universe Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados, Dr. Hayden Kho Jr., Villa Medica’s Crystal Jacinto, fashion designer Rhett Eala, Ida Aldana, and Miss Universe Asia Zhao Na of China.

Bea will fly to Puerto Rico in November to represent the country in the forthcoming Diamond Anniversary edition (75th Year) of the annual Miss Universe pageant. Stay tuned!