PAGEANT veterans dominated the 2026 Miss Universe Philippines Swimsuit Show held in Boracay on Saturday evening, March 21.
Most of the 12 proclaimed “Aqua Angels” at the end of the ceremonies were seasoned contenders, and joined by fan-favorite national rookies who may very well pull an upset in the finals.
Pampanga’s Allyson Hetland topped the online poll on Aqua Boracay’s platform to snag the first slot. She may be a newbie to the national stage, but many fans have already declared her as one of the early frontrunners.
Initially just a roster with nine delegates, the list included 2023 Miss International runner-up Nicole Borromeo of Cebu Province, 2022 Miss Tourism World runner-up Justine Felizarta of Manila, and 2020 Miss Earth-Water Roxie Baeyens of Baguio.
Joining them were Taguig’s Ysabella Ysmael and Cebu City’s Apriel Smith, runner-up and semifinalist, respectively, in the inaugural Miss Universe Philippines pageant held in 2020.
The initial lineup also included Jenrose Javier of Sultan Kudarat, Viva artist Jacqueline Gulrajani of Tacloban, and Zestah Espinosa of Iloilo City.
Then the surprise announcement came, adding three more names to the 2026 Aqua Angels. Heavy favorite Bea Millan-Windorski of La Union, 2024 Miss Earth-Water, was first to be called.
The roster was completed by “Asia’s Next Top Model” runner-up Adela-Mae Marshall of Muntinlupa, and 2025 Binibining Kanlahi Marian Arellano of Tarlac, who are also among those favored to do well.
The judging panel included Miss Universe Philippines National Director Ariella Arida, while Mister World runner-up Andrew Wolfe hosted the ceremonies.
Among the 12 Aqua Angels will come the winner of the Miss Aqua Boracay award, which went to Celeste Cortesi in 2022, Michelle Marquez Dee in 2023, Ahtisa Manalo in 2024, and Teresita Ssen “Winwyn” Marquez last year.
The new winner will be announced during the coronation show on May 1 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, where Manalo is also set to crown her successor as Miss Universe Philippines. (Armin P. Adina © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
