Philippine representative Beatriz McLelland narrowly missed a spot in the Top 8 at the recently concluded Reina Hispanoamericana 2026, held in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, where she was aiming to secure a back-to-back victory for the Philippines.
Reina Hispanoamericana is an annual international pageant based in Bolivia that celebrates Hispanic culture and heritage. It gathers delegates mostly from Spanish-speaking nations, while also welcoming countries like the Philippines to promote cultural exchange and tourism.
Despite her early exit, McLelland delivered a commendable performance on coronation night. She impressed during the introduction segment, confidently carried herself in the swimsuit round, and captivated the audience in a stunning evening gown presentation that drew praise from pageant observers and Filipino supporters. Her grace and stage presence underscored the Philippines’ strong pageant tradition.
The crown was ultimately awarded to Kimberly de Boer of Curaçao, who succeeded reigning queen Dia Mate of the Philippines. Mate secured the title in 2025, marking the country’s second victory in the competition.
The Philippines previously won through Teresita Ssen “Wynwyn” Marquez in 2017—the first Filipina and Asian to claim the crown—and again through Dia Mate in 2025, cementing its strong standing in the international pageant arena.
