Miss World Philippines 2026: Who Will Capture the Crown?

MANILA, Philippines — Twenty-four equally charming and smart women were recently introduced as this year’s Miss World Philippines official candidates. They set their sights on winning the crown and representing the country at the 2026 edition of Miss World. They come from different cities, municipalities, regions and provinces in the country as well as from Filipino communities abroad. From this bevy of beauties, only one will be chosen to be the successor of Krishnah Gravidez, who made an impressive showing at the 2025 (72nd) Miss World, held in Telangana, India. She reached the Top 8 and was awarded the Miss World Asia continental title. So, it’s also a tough act to follow. Aside from that, the new queen carries the goal to secure the second Miss World crown for the country. Megan Young was the first Pinay Miss World and made the historic win in 2013. “For Miss World, I wanna get the crown. I wanna get the blue crown again after Megan,” said Miss World Philippines national director Arnold Vegafria in a brief chat with The STAR. “So, that’s really my goal. I will do my best to get the best candidate.” The Miss World Philippines press presentation and sashing gave attendees a glimpse of the personality of the candidates and the latter’s sense of fashion, elegance and confidence. The following girls caught one’s attention and may be regarded by some as front-runners. They were the Filipino Community of New York Marizza Delgado, Quezon City Asia Rose Simpson, Ifugao Valerie Pawid West, Zamboanga City Ansha Lichelle Jones, Pampanga Gabrielle Fuentes Galapia and Rizal Province Lorraine Ojimba. However, the Miss World Philippines has just started, and some candidates are just warming up and finding their foothold in the pageant. The beauties will also be seen doing fast-track segments or events such as “Top Model,” “Talent,” “Sports Challenge,” “Multi-Media Challenge” and “Head-to-Head Challenge.” The public also wants to know their advocacies and projects, given the pageant’s “Beauty with a Purpose” motto. What does it take to be Miss World Philippines and eventually Miss World? “A Miss World candidate is, something (or someone) like, a queen who has the X-factor, parang ganun,” said Arnold, whose team is also responsible for the back-to-back win of the country at Miss Grand International, adding, “the queen should be able to bring out her (or that) X-factor.” The latter is like “an unexplainable,” genuine or unique personality or special quality, as one could gather by following his train of thought, that makes the winner stand out or shine. She should be a good speaker, beautiful, charismatic and intelligent, Arnold further described. The winner is also charitable and involved in different projects. “(She’s) an ambassador,” shared he. As a national director of various international pageants, Arnold looks at these platforms as a way to promote tourism in the country. “That’s really my purpose. The beauty queens are ambassadors of goodwill. I really want to promote not only the beauty of the people, of the Filipina, but also the beauty of our country,” said he, “the hospitality of the people. I want to invite the whole world to visit our country.” The Miss World Philippines candidates will also participate in the Charity Gala Night event on Jan. 29 at the Okada Manila Grand Ballroom. The coronation night, meanwhile, is on Feb. 3 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.