The competition for the Miss Universe Philippines 2026 crown intensified on Saturday night, April 25, as the pageant officially unveiled its first 10 semifinalists during “The Main Event” held at the Bayfront Arena in Misamis Occidental.


_{Photo courtesy: Miss Universe Philippines}

All 50 delegates took the stage in swimwear and designer creations by Mindanao-based designers before the announcement, marking one of the most crucial phases of the national competition.

_{Photo courtesy: Miss Universe Philippines}

The 10 early semifinalists, who secured guaranteed slots after topping the third round of online voting for the swimsuit segment via Maya (April 19–25), are:

• Rizal (Filipino Society of Southern California) – Alicia Buendia
• Quezon Province (Filipino Society of Australia) – Ella Evangelista
• Ilocos Norte (Filipino Society of Hawaii) – Cherieze Cacayorin
• Sultan Kudarat – Jenrose Javier
• Pangasinan – Donna Rein Nuguid
• Cavite – Jencel Caña
• Negros Occidental – Alexandria Colmenares
• Mountain Province – Lyneree Montero-Yodong
• Tandag City – Chrystel Mae Correos
• San Jose, Negros Oriental (Filipino Society of Bellevue, Washington) – Jayka Munsayac
  
  
  _{Photo courtesy: Miss Universe Philippines}

Organizers explained that only 31 candidates advanced to the third round of voting following an earlier interview phase, making the selection process increasingly competitive.

In a separate segment, five “Gems of Misamis Occidental” special awards were also announced. Nicole Borromeo of Cebu Province was named Asenso Ambassadress of Goodwill, the top honor.

She was joined by runners-up: Erica Cadayday (Health, Camiguin), Jacqueline Aluning (Social Services, Nueva Vizcaya / Filipino Society of Washington), Clarissa Westram (Education, Cotabato), and Trexy Roxas (Agriculture, Iligan City).

_{Photo courtesy: Miss Universe Philippines}

Despite the early announcement of semifinalists, pageant officials emphasized that the competition remains open. Delegates who were not included in the initial Top 10 still have opportunities to advance through additional selection rounds.

From the remaining contestants, 10 more will be chosen by the selection committee based on cumulative scores, alongside five wildcard entries and five brand award winners—bringing the total semifinalists to 30 finalists for coronation night.

The Miss Universe Philippines 2026 coronation will be held on May 2 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, where reigning queen Ahtisa Manalo will crown her successor at the end of the event.