BUBBLING UNDER: Iligan, Negros Oriental, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Pateros

TOP 30. Albay, Bohol, Camiguin, Cavite, Cotabato Province, Ilocos Norte, Los Baños (Laguna), Luisiana (Laguna), Mountain Province, Pangasinan, Quezon Province, Rizal, Samar Island, San Jose (Negros Oriental), Tandag City (Surigao del Sur)

Most of the Maya Vote Top Ten will likely stay in this tier, while Albay, Camiguin, Los Baños, and Samar can easily stay in the running. The Batangueña-Boholana could use a Wild Card pass, more so her fellow Round Two evictee from Luisiana, 2022’s Miss Eco Philippines. Finally, there’s Cotabato, likely to score a breakthrough for her province and can easily surge to other rounds.  

TOP 15. Baguio, Iloilo City, Laguna, Manila, Negros Occidental, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, Tacloban

If the current Piña Beauty standings remain, Round One evictee Sarangani might just earn a lifeline. Also easily in are the teen queen from Laguna, thechatterbox from Tacloban, and the celebrated veteran from Manila. Sultan Kudarat and Negros Occidental could still easily power through. The same goes for former Miss Earth-Water Baguio, who might still snatch a crown, except there are newbies who are just as compelling. 

THE MISS PHILIPPINES PICKS. 
ECO INTERNATONAL: MUNTINLUPA – Adela Mae Marshall
CHARM: TARLAC – Marian Arellano
COSMO: CEBU CITY – Apriel Smith
SUPRANATIONAL: PAMPANGA – Allyson Hetland

As it stands, at least three more ladies could usurp a slot in this tier. But, again, if the Piña Beauty standings stayed that way, then Muntinlupa’s Top Model the clear shoo-in. While we’re at it, why not make her wave the flag once again, but in a pageant this time? Some toss and turn over Tarlac, but the fact is she looks crown-ready and should have ample time to prepare. 

At this point, it’s impossible to deny the Cebuana veterans. There’s the game-changing Cebu City, who after a decade of navigating this arena, might just finally earn her due. She’s more than ripe for a global shot. And finally, there’s Pampanga, this year’s strongest newcomer, who exudes world-class flair and imposing stature. Should she earn a Supra-shot, she’ll have more than a year to blossom into a heavy crown contender. We could use another victory in Poland. 

RUNNER-UP PICKS. 
2nd Runner-Up: CEBU PROVINCE – Nicole Borromeo
1st Runner-Up: TAGUIG – Ysabella Roxas Ysmael

There’s been some debate regarding Cebu Province’s participation. Some think she came too soon after Miss International 2023. Others think she should have joined Miss World Philippines instead. But there’s no denying she’s a frontrunner, with or without her track record. That much the province of Misamis Occidental can vouch. But if the top crown won’t be for her, it might be better to put her on reserve – for now.

Same case applies for Taguig, who finally gathered enough momentum to stage a comeback. And, what a time – when even multiple titles leave contenders no guarantees. In her case, it’s frankly hard to imagine her in other arenas. Her rhetoric deserves a place in the Universe. So, for now, let’s envision her on the Michelle Dee route.  

MISS UNIVERSE PHILIPPINES 2026: LA UNION – Bea Millan-Windorski

Whether you buy her declarations of allegiance or not, the fact is she’s still Pinay in lineage. And she had no qualms moving back and embracing her heritage even before completing her reign as 2024’s Miss Earth-Fire. Given that background, she’s bound to turn heads on US-governed Latin soil. Besides, if we could celebrate Aussie-raised Catriona Gray, embrace Italian-raised Celeste Cortesi, and support former Miss Supranational USA Kat Dimaranan, why not afford the same lenience with her? She’s the most complete package, as far as this year’s race is concerned.