All eyes will soon be on the national pageant.
On Saturday, May 2, the Miss Universe Philippines 2026 coronation night will happen at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Delegates from all over the archipelago will vie for the chance of becoming the next representative of the country to the Miss Universe pageant, with its forthcoming 75th edition taking place in Puerto Rico this November.
Set to host the pageant is none other than Drag Race UK vs. The World finalist Marina Summers, who will make history as the first transwoman host of the national franchise.
In her post on X, formerly Twitter, the drag superstar wrote, “We’re making herstory yet again. From being the first drag queen to perform on the Miss Universe stage, to becoming the first trans woman to host the pageant.”
“So honored to be this year’s host of the Miss Universe Philippines 2026 Coronation [night],” she added.
Meanwhile, on Monday, the Miss Universe Philippines Organization also confirmed that the Vice President of Miss Universe (Asiana), Nawat Itsaragrisil, and Miss Universe 2025 first runner-up Praveenar Singh will be heading to the country.
They are expected to be in Manila, in time for the coronation event, from May 1 to 3, 2026.
The winner of the crown will succeed reigning queen, Ahtisa Manalo, who made a record for the country for being the third runner-up in the 74th edition held in Bangkok, Thailand last November—the Philippines’ highest placement in five years.
The live telecast will be available on Cignal TV’s One PH at 7:00 pm on Saturday, May 2. Meanwhile, a catch-up replay will be screened by free-to-air network TV5 on Sunday, May 3 at 9:00pm.