Newly crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2026 Bea Millan-Windorski addressed questions surrounding her Filipino citizenship and residency following her recent victory.


^{Photo courtesy: Miss Universe Philippines}
Speaking in an emotional interview with veteran host Boy Abunda, Millan-Windorski clarified that she has been a Filipino citizen since birth, explaining that her mother registered her birth with the Philippine Embassy in the United States shortly after she was born.

“So I've actually been a Filipino citizen ever since I was born. One of the first things my mom did when I was born was register my birth with the Philippine Embassy in the U.S.,” she said.

The beauty queen also cited Republic Act 9225, noting that children born to Filipino parents abroad are entitled to reacquire or retain their Filipino citizenship through proper documentation.

Millan-Windorski shared that although she grew up between the United States and the Philippines, she has long considered the country her home, particularly in San Juan, La Union, where her grandparents reside.

“I've been staying here for a year and a half, but I've been visiting the Philippines ever since I was a child,” she explained. “I really felt like I was lucky to grow up in two homes, both here and in the United States.”

The issue gained traction online after critics questioned why she previously represented the United States in Miss Earth USA 2024 despite now competing for the Philippines.

Responding to the issue, Millan-Windorski candidly revealed that joining the U.S.-based pageant was initially her mother’s idea.

“In all honesty, it's because my mom signed me up for that pageant without telling me,” she admitted, adding that she was then focused on finishing her history degree and preparing for law school applications.

She stressed that her long-term dream was always to eventually compete in the Philippines, stating, “that's really where my heart is.”

The interview also turned emotional when Millan-Windorski opened up about struggles with identity and belonging while growing up as a Filipino-American.

“As a girl who grew up not really feeling like I belonged anywhere, to finally feel chosen by the Philippines, my chosen home, was really a full circle moment for me,” she said.

She also responded to accusations online, labeling her as “performative” and an “opportunist,” insisting that her advocacy work and support for Filipino causes predated her pageant journey.

“I've just been trying to be enough for myself and enough for younger Bea, who is proud to be Filipina and felt rejected by both Americans and both Filipinos at home,” she shared.

Millan-Windorski further emphasized her commitment to public service, environmental protection, OFW welfare, and LGBTQ+ advocacy, saying she intends to use her platform to continue the causes she has already been supporting even before winning the crown.