Miss Universe Philippines Tacloban has announced that Filipino-Indian Jacqueline Gulrajani has been chosen as the province's official representative in the prestigious national pageant later this year.
Miss Universe Philippines Tacloban 2026 Jacqueline Gulrajani
Jacqueline was welcomed by Mags Cue, Miss Universe Philippines Vice President for Global and National Search, and Rachelle Erica Chua Pineda, Local Director of Miss Universe Philippines Tacloban, during a media conference in Quezon City recently. The Viva artist said she is excited to meet her pageant sisters.
"I'm very excited to meet them. Last year, I had the opportunity to host the swimsuit competition backstage. I got to meet the girls. This year, I'm sure we will have a lot of amazing ladies with their specific advocacies. I cannot wait to meet them and learn from them," she said.
This is the first time Jacqueline is joining a national pageant, though she said she never really expected to compete in the Miss Universe Philippines contest. "I think things are just aligning this year. Now I understand that this platform is powerful. I really think this year is definitely it."
Asked how old she is, the beauty queen answered, "I feel very young."
Jacqueline also said she asked Viva Films for permission to join the competition "so there's no problem." She mentioned Miss Universe 2025 third runner-up as her favorite beauty queen.
A mentor, educator, host, and model, Jacqueline is the daughter of a saleslady and a businessman. Her mother had her at 18 and chose motherhood over college.
Growing up, Jacqueline learned at an early age the quiet cost women pay when access to education and representation is limited.
Born and raised in Tacloban, Jaqueline later moved to Manila after graduating from the University of the Philippines, with P10,000, a broken suitcase, and a borrowed place to stay.
Jacqueline applied for a one-day hiring role the next morning and worked her way from taking calls to leadership roles, mentoring emerging and senior leaders along the way.
Alongside her corporate career, she began modeling and hosting, building her name as Jacqy Raj while sharing beauty and skincare content to help young women make more informed choices.
These experiences shape Jacqueline’s advocacy today, grounded in a vision of a world where women are free to choose themselves through access to education.
Higherley provides access to education and skills, empowering people to build a living of their own. In Pen & Pearl, she writes stories that speak to readers as they heal their inner child.
Miss Universe Philippines Tacloban 2026 Jacqueline Gulrajani is flanked by Mags Cue (left), Miss Universe Philippines Vice President for Global and National Search, and Rachelle Erica Chua Pineda, the local director for Miss Universe Philippines.
Through Glow Up Diaries and her podcast, she shares her personal inner and outer glow-up journey, helping women feel safer, more informed, and more confident as they create their own paths.
“As Miss Universe Philippines Tacloban continues to rise, it stands as a testament to unity, vision, and unwavering dedication," said Rachelle. "Tacloban City moves forward with pride and confidence. Tacloban is ready. Tacloban will be seen."
