The search for the first-ever queens of Reina Filipinas has officially begun as the newly established national pageant introduced its inaugural batch of candidates during its Grand Reveal and Sashing Ceremony held on July 13, at the Crystal Palace of Aquila in the Sky Events Venue in Silang, Cavite.
Founded by businessman and renowned shoe designer Jojo Bragais together with Miss Grand International 2025 Emma Mary Tiglao, Reina Filipinas will stage its maiden edition with 21 finalists competing for three major titles—the Reina Filipinas Miss Grand International Philippines crown and two Reina Filipinas Miss Grand International All Stars Philippines titles.
The candidates officially stepped into the spotlight during the presentation, showcasing their personalities and style through a runway presentation before receiving their official sashes. The event marked the beginning of their journey toward the much-awaited coronation night.
Among the standout contenders are several pageant veterans bringing years of experience to the competition. Angelica Lopez of Palawan, who was crowned Binibining Pilipinas International 2023 and previously competed in Miss Universe Philippines 2022, returns to the pageant scene with hopes of representing the country under the Miss Grand International platform.
Also making history is Anne Patricia Lorenzo Diaz of Manila, the reigning Miss International Queen Philippines 2025, who becomes the first transgender woman to compete in the Reina Filipinas pageant. Diaz said joining the competition represents a meaningful opportunity to further promote inclusivity and representation in Philippine pageantry.
International pageant titleholder Alexie Caimoso Brooks of Iloilo City, who won Miss Eco International 2025, is also among the candidates expected to be a strong contender. Other experienced delegates include Zeah Nestle Pala of Mandaluyong, a former Miss Bikini Philippines titleholder and It’s Showtime Sexy Babe winner, as well as Scarlett de Mesa of Muntinlupa and Kristen Marcelino of Pateros, who previously competed in Miss Universe Philippines.
Meanwhile, the inaugural competition also highlights fresh faces, with nearly half of the finalists being pageant newcomers. One of the notable rookies is Sahara Bernales of Pampanga, a personality from the entertainment industry who shared that her past experiences have helped shape her confidence and perspective as she enters the world of pageantry.
The 21 candidates represent different provinces and cities across the Philippines, including Bulacan, Bataan, Camarines Sur, Iloilo, Mandaluyong, Manila, Palawan, Pampanga, Quezon City, Rizal, and Zambales.
The full roster of Reina Filipinas 2026 finalists includes:
Vherciandy Santos (Bataan)
Bianca Mae Bautista (Bulacan)
Luisa Lorin Benavides — (Caloocan)
Isabella Ortega — (Camarines Sur)
Ronalyn Valeza — (Ilocos Sur)
Alexie Caimoso Brooks — (Iloilo City)
Frezle Juana Verzo — (Koronadal City, South Cotabato)
Reign Gale Nejal — (La Union)
Zeah Nestle Pala — (Mandaluyong)
Anne Patricia Lorenzo Diaz — (Manila)
Cassandra De Jesus — (Mariveles, Bataan)
Scarlett de Mesa — (Muntinlupa)
Jesree Einz Aguilar — (Nueva Ecija)
Angelica Lopez — (Palawan)
Sahara Bernales — (Pampanga)
Shaira May Soria — (Pangasinan)
Kristen Marcelino — (Pateros)
Precious Faith Paulo — (Quezon City)
Jade Isabel Candilado — (Rizal)
Hanna Michaela Amistad — (San Mateo, Rizal)
Cleopatra Barrera — (Zambales)
The first-ever Reina Filipinas queens will be crowned on August 7 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Newport World Resorts, Pasay City, where the newly crowned representatives will begin their journey toward international competition.
