(L-R) Gems of Misamis Occidental Erica Jean Cadayday (Health), Trexy Paris Roxas (Agriculture), Nicole Borromeo (Asenso Ambassadress of Goodwill), Jacqueline Aluning (Social Services), and Clarissa Westram (Education)
The race for the Miss Universe Philippines 2026 crown just got more exciting as the first 10 semifinalists of the national pageant were unveiled during the Fashion Show and 3rd Elimination Night staged in Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental over the weekend.
The "Top 10 Reveal" showcased Misamis Occidental as the host of the much-awaited pre-pageant activity. It's the final stop before the coronation night on May 2 at the MOA Arena in Pasay City where Ahtisa Manalo will crown her successor.
The event opened with all 51 MUPH delegates in Bench swimwear. Miss Pampanga, Allyson Hetland, was selected as Miss Bench Body. This was followed by a fashion show featuring traditional fabric creations by local talents from ORA Fashion Designers which showcased the best of Mindanaoan artistry and craftsmanship.
The Top 10 Reveal
Ten delegates secured early spots in the semifinals after topping the third round of online swimsuit voting conducted through the Maya app from April 19 to 25.
They are: Alicia Buendia (Rizal/Filipino Society of Southern California), Ella Evangelista (Quezon Province/Filipino Society of Australia), Cherieze Cacayorin (Ilocos Norte/Filipino Society of Hawaii), Jenrose Javier (Sultan Kudarat), Donna Rein Nuguid (Pangasinan), Jencel Caña (Cavite), Alexandria Colmenares (Negros Occidental), Lyneree Montero-Yodong (Mountain Province), Chrystel Mae Correos (Tandag City), and Jayka Munsayac (San Jose, Negros Oriental/Filipino Society of Bellevue, Washington).
Miss Universe PH 2026 Top 10 Finalists voted via Maya App
The remaining semifinalists will be named on May 2. Ten more candidates will be selected by the panel of judges, alongside five wild card picks and five brand awardees, completing a semifinal lineup of 30 candidates for the finals.
Gems of Misamis Occidental
One of the evening’s highlights was the announcement of the “Gems of Misamis Occidental,” with Nicole Borromeo of Cebu Province topping the list as Asenso Ambassadress of Goodwill for the Province.
The four other Gems were Trexy Paris Roxas of Iligan City as Asenso Ambassadress for Agriculture, Clarissa Westram of Cotabato for Education, Jacqueline Aluning of Nueva Vizcaya (Filipino Society of Washington) for Social Services, and Erica Jean Cadayday of Camiguin for Health.
The awardees are expected to support and promote the province’s priority programs in their respective sectors.
The fashion show and the Top 10 Reveal in Misamis Occidental underscores MUPH efforts to bring its major events to the regions while showcasing local destinations on a national scale.
