By Robert Requintina
The 36 official candidates of the 2026 Binibining Pilipinas beauty pageant were announced during a special presentation at the New Frontier Theater in Araneta City on March 23.
This year's official candidates:
Miss International 2005 Precious Lara Quigaman Alcvaraz led this year's selection panel for the prestigious national beauty contest. She was joined by Binibinis Bb. Pilipinas International 2025 Katrina Anne Johnson, Bb. Pilipinas International 2024 Myrna Esguerra and BB. Pilipinas Globe 2025 Annabelle Mae McDonnell.
Lara, who is currently based in Canada as a teacher, said she will fly back in April, but she hopes to return for the coronation night later this year.
"I am hoping to be back for the coronation, so I'm flying back to Canada. I'm here for an event until March, then I'll go back to Canada," she said during an interview.
Lara shared how the selection committee arrived at the 36 official candidates: "Everybody's beautiful. We all know that. I wanted to see and hear their whys. I wanted to know why they are joining Binibining Pilipinas. So we listened to their stories about why they're here and why they wanted to join Binibining Pilipinas. We wanted to know their stories."
Asked about the qualities she looks for in winners, Lara said, "I wanted a winner who embodies Binibining Pilipinas - a blend of beauty, intellect, and purpose - someone who is smart and full of integrity."
She shared her advice to future Binibinis: "Have fun, be authentic, and give their best."
The 36 remarkable women will vie for the prestigious Binibining Pilipinas titles and the opportunity to represent the Philippines in international pageants abroad.
