Filipino pageant fans are in for a treat as the 2026 Miss Universe Philippines coronation show welcomes its special guests — Thai personalities Nawat Itsaragrisil and Veena Praveenar Singh.
Nawat himself broke the news in a live video, and the Miss Universe Thailand social media pages confirmed it with a post. Although more popularly known as the founder and president of the Miss Grand International pageant, he is also currently the vice president of Miss Universe (Asiana).
“Mr. Nawat and Veena Praveenar, Miss Universe 2025 1st Runner-Up, will be in the Philippines from May 1–3. They are set to attend the Grand Final of Miss Universe Philippines 2026 on May 2. Join us for this special moment! [star emoji],” the Thai pageant page posted.
Veena herself has a significant following among Filipino pageant fans, being a four-time Miss Universe Thailand aspirant before getting her chance on the international Miss Universe stage, eventually finishing second to Mexico’s Fatima Bosch.
However, there have been no updates whether the reigning Miss Universe will also drop by the national coronation show. Her predecessors Victoria Kjær Theilvig, Sheynnis Palacios, R’Bonney Gabriel, and Harnaaz Sandhu all visited the Philippines during their respective reigns.
Bosch had earned the ire of many pageant fans in the Philippines and around the world who said she was the least deserving of the crown of all five finalists, and that the competition was rigged by Miss Universe president Raul Rocha in her favor.
Rocha is a Mexican tycoon whose business interests reportedly have ties with Bosch’s father. Such allegation was further amplified by French-Lebanese musician Omar Harfouch who resigned from being a selection committee member just days before the 2025 Miss Universe coronation show, citing supposed irregularities.
Nawat also had his fair share of controversy during the 2025 staging of Miss Universe when delegates led by Bosch walked out of a conference hall at the start of the season, earning the ire of some pageant observers. As franchise owner of Miss Universe Thailand, he was also head of the hosting committee for the Miss Universe 2025 delegations.
The 2026 Miss Universe Philippines coronation will take place at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on May 2. Fifty delegates are vying to succeed reigning queen Ahtisa Manalo.
Global drag superstar Marina Summers will host the ceremonies with P-Pop boy group BGYO set to perform on stage. (Armin P. Adina © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
