Ahtisa Manalo‘s reign will conclude in less than two months as she is set to crown her successor on May 1, the Miss Universe Philippines Organization announced on social media on Sunday, March 15.
“The much-awaited Miss Universe Philippines 2026 Coronation is happening this May 1, 2026 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena,” the national pageant organization posted.
However, no details pertaining to the sale of tickets, as well as the hosts, performers, and other celebrity guests have been revealed yet. “Stay tuned for ticket details and more updates!” the post added.
Manalo was crowned on May 2 last year, also at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. Fifty-one delegates from across the country and overseas Filipino communities are competing to succeed her.
Other national titles under The Miss Philippines brand which is handled by Miss Universe Philippines organizer Empire Philippines were awarded after the conclusion of the two recent editions of the national pageant.
There has been no confirmation if this practice will continue in this year’s competition, but there have been hints that The Miss Philippines titleholders will still be chosen from the roster of Miss Universe Philippines delegates.
The country’s delegates to the Miss Supranational, Miss Eco International, Miss Cosmo, and Miss Charm pageants are under The Miss Philippines brand.
As in the previous years, international pageant veterans are among the 2026 Miss Universe Philippines delegates–Miss Earth Water titleholders Bea Millan-Windorski and Roxie Baeyens, and Miss International runner-up Nicole Borromeo.
Also competing are Miss Tourism World runner-up Justine Felilzarta, Miss Eco International finalist Ashley Subijano, and Top Model of the World’s Miss Globe recipient Scarlett De Mesa.
Returning to the national competition are runner-up Ysabella Ysmael and finalist Apriel Smith, both from the pageant’s inaugural edition held in 2020. (Armin P. Adina © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
