The inaugural Reina Filipinas Grand International showed that pageantry is back in top shape again – from production and staging to choreography.
The actual competition started promptly on time at 7 p.m. and the entire show just clocked close to four hours.
At the culmination of the competition, Palawan delegate Angelica Lopez bested 20 other aspirants to be crowned the inaugural title winner.
Angelica – who won Best in Swimsuit, Miss Urban Smile, and Reina Pasarela awards – was crowned by reigning Miss Grand International (MGI) Emma Mary Tiglao, together with country license holder Jojo Bragais and MGI president and founder Nawat Itsaragrisil.
Iloilo delegate Alexie Caimoso Brooks won one of the two Reina Filipinas MGI All Stars titles and was crowned by reigning MGI All Stars titleholder Vanessa Pulgarin of Colombia.
Alexie, who last year became the Philippines’ third-ever Miss Eco International, also won the Best in Evening Gown and Best Seller Award for Dandy Glow and Jojo Bragais.
Lone transgender delegate Anne Patricia Lorenzo of Manila was the other recipient of the Reina Filipinas MGI All Stars crown. She was crowned by MGI All Stars runner-up Huong Giang Nguyen of Vietnam.
Related: Miss Supranational 2026: Katrina Llegado wins the Philippines’ 2nd crown
Miss Phitogenic Cleopatra Barrera (Zambales), Isabella Ortega (Camarines Sur), Zeah Nestle Pala (Mandaluyong), and Luisa Lorin Buenavides (Caloocan) were declared runners-up in descending order.
Buenavides did not qualify for the Top 11, however she won the Popular Vote and was brought back to the competition for winning an automatic placement in the final round.
The other lucky delegates who made it to the semifinal round (Top 11) were:
Bianca Mae Bautista (Bulacan Province), fast tracked as Best Seller of Dandy Glow
Jesiree Aguilar (Nueva Ecija)
Jade Isabel Candilado (Rizal)
Hannah Michaela Amistad (San Mateo, Rizal)
Scarlett de Mesa (Muntinlupa), Miss Beauty Vault
This year’s selection committee was comprised of Nguyen, Pulgarin, MGI first runner-up Sarunrat “Gotchabelle” Puagpipa, MGI 2024 CJ Opiaza, Michael Cinco, and Dr. Ralph delas Alas.
Hosted by Joy “Jusa” Barcoma and Sean Kyle Ortega, the Reina Filipinas 2026 coronation night unfolded at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.