Miss Universe Philippines 2026 Gets Major Glow-Up: Fan Voting, New Format, and Wildcard Spots
The Miss Universe Philippines Organization just announced some game-changing updates for this year’s pageant, and fans are here for it. For the first time ever, the public will play a direct role in choosing which candidates make it to the semifinals — and even help pick the next queen during coronation night.
Fifty-one beauty queens were officially introduced during the pageant’s press presentation at City of Dreams Manila in Parañaque on Monday. This year’s winner will be crowned by reigning titleholder Ahtisa Manalo. But the road to the crown is getting a serious makeover.
Under the new format, preliminary competitions — Evening Gown, Swimsuit, and Closed-Door Interview — will be conducted in stages rather than all at once. Pre-pageant activities will be filmed starting in March, with the Evening Gown segment kicking things off. Public voting will determine which candidates advance through each round.
Don’t worry if your fave doesn’t make the cut right away — delegates who don’t advance through voting rounds will still participate in coronation night. Some may even snag “wildcard” spots or brand-sponsored awards that earn them a place in the semifinals. On coronation night itself, fans can vote live through the pageant’s official partner app.
The coronation night is set for May 2026. With fan voting now baked into the competition, this year’s Miss Universe Philippines is shaping up to be the most interactive and exciting edition yet. Pageant fans, it’s time to start campaigning for your bets!
Source: When In Manila / GMA News
