Rina Andrea delos Santos

 Ballesteros wins 26th Miss Philippines Earth crown

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte

Rina Andrea delos Santos of Ballesteros, Cagayan bested 31 other delegates to emerge as this year’s winner of the Miss Philippines Earth title.

Reigning Miss Earth winner Natalie Puskinova of the Czech Republic crowned the beauteous health professional from Region 2.

Andrea was also proclaimed Miss Hana before the Top 15 was announced.

Her elemental court is comprised of:

- Prima Joy Alamban, Tumauini, Isabela (Miss Philippines Air 2026)

- Alyssa Mildred Villarina, Mandaluyong City (Miss Philippines Water 2026)

- Patricia Anne Bangug, Agoo, La Union (Miss Philippines Fire 2026)

- Roveelaine Eve Castillo, Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte ( Miss Philuppines Ecotourism 2026)

The remaining five delegates from the Top 10 were all declared as runners-up. They are:

- Hana Tiffany Christen (Passi, Iloilo)

- Kirsten Dawn Delerio (Cebu City)

- Mary Ganaba (Tupi, South Cotabato)

- Nicole Grace Locsin Ampong (Malaybalay City, Bukidnon), and

- Alyssa Rae Zabala (Marikina City), automatic placer for winning the People’s Choice Award

It’s not just a win for Ballesteros but also for the Cagayan Valley Region, as the other delegate in the Top 2 is from the province of Isabela.

The other delegates who made it to the first cut were:

- Mikyla Kirkness (Filipino Community of Queensland, Australia)

- Phamel Castillo Detumal (Valencia City)

- Angel Polines Teruel (Pototan, Iloilo)

- Esther Angelika Francisco (Zamboanga City), and 

- Raihjja Japor Lames (Tayabas, Quezon Province)

The medalists of the Best Cultural Costume award were:

- Mae Khyla Garcia (Gold), Cabanglasan, Bukidnon

- Kirsten Dawn Delerio (Silver), Cebu City

- Princess Dee Maghinay (Lapantan, Bukidnon)

While all of last year’s elemental queens were present during the coronation rites, strangely, it was outgoing queen Joy Barcoma who was in absentia. 

Hosted by James Deakin, the 26th Miss Philippines Earth coronation night, showcased in a fabulous staging and production from Malitbog, Bukidnon, was beamed live to a global audience through Carousel Productions' channels on Facebook and Youtube.