Seasoned pageant girls have hopped on the Mutya ng Pilipinas train as veterans tried their luck in this year’s edition of one of the oldest national beauty contests in the Philippines.
Among the 38 official candidates making up the Mutya ng Pilipinas Class of 2026 are alumnae from Binibining Pilipinas, Miss Universe Philippines and other national pageants.
The pageant organization revealed the names of the successful applicants for its 58th-anniversary edition this year at the end of the final screening held at CWC Design Center in Makati City on Thursday afternoon, Oct. 1.
Fresh from the 2026 Bb. Pilipinas pageant held in July, Angelica Arwin Evora and Iris Oresca have made their second attempt at a national title in just a matter of months by sending in their applications for Mutya ng Pilipinas.
Evora landed a Top 12 semifinal placement at Bb. Pilipinas, where she carried Oriental Mindoro. She is once again raising the flag of her home province in her quest for a Mutya ng Pilipinas crown.
Reigning Miss Bicolandia Iris Oresca stood for the entire Bicol Region at Bb. Pilipinas. But for this pageant, she has scaled down and is representing her home province of Camarines Sur.
Lyra Punsalan is staging her national pageant comeback three years since carrying Pampanga at the 2023 Bb. Pilipinas pageant, where she took home a special award. For Mutya ng Pilipinas, she is carrying Albay.
Joining the bevy of national pageant veterans are 2024 Hiyas ng Pilipinas fourth runner-up Josiela Lagrimas, 2025 Miss Grand Philippines candidate Chelsea Arciaga and 2025 Miss Universe Philippines alumna Rani Lachmi Dado.
The Grand Coronation Night will be held at the Playtime FilOil Center in San Juan City on Oct. 14. Several national titles are at stake in the competition.