The 62nd edition of the Binibining Pilipinas pageant will hold its Grand Coronation Night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, July 18, 2026.
Iconic beauty queens across different pageants will serve as hosts: Miss Universe 1999 First Runner-up Miriam Quiabao, Miss Grand International 2016 First Runner-up Nicole Cordoves, Miss Universe 2014 Top 10 MJ Lastimosa, and Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray
What makes the vent more exciting is the glamorous presence of reigning Miss International Catalina Rodriguez and The Miss Globe Chayathanus Saradatta, with special performances by PPop Group Alamat, Asia’s Prince of Drama Jericho Rosales, and matinee idol Kyle Echarr
Katrina Anne Johnson of Davao Province, who is yet to compete at Miss International 2026, and Annabelle Mae McDonnell of Iligan, The Miss Globe 2025 finalist, will crown their successors at the end of the evening.
With the withdrawal of heavy favorite Ivy Padilla of Misamis Oriental, nine Binibinis remain as strong contenders for the crowns. Based on preliminary performances, previous pageant experience and personal biases, the standouts are the following:
Binibini 2 Cagayan de Oro City’s Gwyneth Jemimah Bombeo Chan
The City of Golden Friendship’s Diamond Queen wishes to follow the high-heeled footsteps of fellow Miss Cagayan de Oro alumni such as Lilia Eloisa Marfori Andanar (Binibining Pilipinas International 1989) and Cinderella Faye Elle Obeñita (Miss Intercontinental 2021).
She said of her national costume, showcased on July 2, called ‘The Golden Oro’ designed by Jie-jie Aisa: ‘Inspired by the mythical Oro Fish (Kugtong) said to dwell in the Cagayan de Oro River, it embodies the soul of our city. More than a legend, the Golden Oro symbolizes prosperity, resilience, and hope-reminding us that even through changing tides, Cagayan de Oro continues to shine with strength and boundless potential.’
Binibini 12 Baguio’s Gwendoline Meliz Soriano
An actress, Gwendoline withdrew from Binibining Pilipinas 2022 and placed in the Top 12 at Miss Universe Philippines 2025. She said of her prelims gown, presented on June 22, designed by Michael Miguel: ‘Inspired by Baguio’s ever-blooming flowers, I selected a blush-peach mermaid gown with cascading luminous petals. The design symbolizes resilience, growth, and the enduring elegance of the City of Pines.’
Binibini 13 Tarlac’s Sasha-Juli Belle Lacuna
Sasha finished at Top 24 at Miss Universe Philippines 2025. After the closed-door interview on July 6, where they went bare-faced, she posted:
‘We’re so used to seeing beauty queens in full glam, polished makeup, and perfectly curated photos that it’s easy to forget that behind all of that, we’re simply human.
‘As someone with a skin condition called Nevus of Ota, showing up without makeup wasn’t something I feared. My parents raised me to embrace it, to be proud of it, and to never see it as something that needed to be hidden.
‘Beyond the crowns, lashes, and glam shoots, we all have our own stories, imperfections, and things that make us unique. And I think there’s something truly beautiful about realizing that we’re all far more alike than we sometimes believe.
‘Today, I felt proud to be seen as just me.’
Binibini 17 San Jose, Occidental Mindoro’s Ain Niqyla Abad
Ain placed Top 24 at Miss Universe Philippines 2025. She has said of her quest for a crown:
‘Grace, purpose, and the unwavering pride of a Filipina.
‘This journey has been filled with hard work, faith, and the incredible support of everyone who believed in me.
‘San Jose, Occidental Mindoro I can’t wait to hear you shout my name this Saturday! Your love and support mean everything as I take one more step toward this dream.’
Binibini 18 Pampanga’s Anne Klein Castro
Anne Klein was Mutya ng Pilipinas-World Top Model 2024. She has spoken out about the controversial dump site that is impacting the Aeta community in Sitio Tibag in Subic, Zambales:
‘When leaders aren’t held accountable, harmful decisions continue. But the moment they’re called out, the response suddenly becomes, ‘Hindi namin alam na may naninirahan doon.’ Even if no community had been living there, that would never justify turning a protected area into a dumpsite. Our environment is not disposable, and protecting it should never depend on whether people are visibly living there.
‘Environmental protection and respect for Indigenous communities should always go hand in hand. Both deserve better.’
Binibini 19 Bacolod City’s Tracy Mae Sunio
Tracy was a Top 15 semifinalist at Binibining Pilipinas 2024. Of her national costume designed by Jude Chael, she stated:
‘It celebrates the endangered hornbill, a vital symbol of forest regeneration.
‘We stayed true to its natural beauty while adding a touch of my childhood MassKara Festival costume. I’m grateful to have been part of bringing this vision to life.’
Binibini 25 Cauayan, Isabela’s Jarina Kumari Sandhu
The writer was one of the preliminary judges at the Queen Isabela 2025 pageant, which the Indian beauty Jarina eventually won with her sparkling personality. She then went on to place Top 24 at Miss Universe Philippines 2025.
When she became a Binibini, she posted: ‘A new chapter begins. As I take my first step in Binibining Pilipinas, I carry not just my dreams, but the voices of women who deserve to be seen, heard, and empowered.’
Binibini 29 Dumaguete’s Julianne Raine Antonio
The damsel from Dumaguete said of her national costume:
‘Grateful to have worn my national costume, brought to life by the amazing Tito June Samson Pugat. Inspired by the City of Gentle People and the calm, graceful beauty of the ocean, every detail reflects the heart and spirit of Dumaguete.’
Binibini 31 Iloilo’s Patricia Lynn Beerda
Patricia Lynn was first runner-up at Miss Teen Philippines 2019. This batch has since taken on a mythical status. The winner was Nikki de Moura, later crowned Miss Grand Philippines 2023; the second runner-up was Nicole Borromeo, later crowned Miss International 2023 third runner-up; non-finalists were Ivy Padilla, later winning Miss Fit Philippines 2025 first runner-up, and Myrna Esguerra, the Miss International 2025 fourth runner-up.
In a video, the Dutch-Ilongga explained her advocacy called Beyond Margins:
‘It is to educate, elevate, and empower. It is rooted in my background as a youth leader, a law graduate, and an advocate, and focuses specifically on the marginalized communities. I have been a volunteer with different organizations and as a law student worked on researching on important topics, and I believe it is so important to highlight societal issues and truly make a difference and a future to those that need it.’