Bella Ysmael returns to pageantry as Miss Universe Philippines Taguig 2026

Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!

Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.

Visit Suniway.ph to learn

February 2, 2026 | 11:34am

MANILA, Philippines — Bella Ysmael is once again trying her luck in pageantry as Taguig's representative to this year's Miss Universe Philippines. 

Bella returns to pageantry after six years since her stint as Parañaque bet at the Miss Universe Philippines 2020. 

The granddaughter of actress Marita Zobel and niece of Miss Universe 1973 Margie Moran, Bella finished as first runner-up to Iloilo's Rabiya Mateo in the pageant's inaugural edition in 2020. 

She said that accepting the title was the "easiest yes" for her because it came in "perfect timing."

“Taguig represents growth, not just for the city, but even for myself. I have truly been able to go out of my comfort zone, to experience so much in this city alone, and that’s where I feel like the universe really brought us together, me and Taguig City,” she said.

“All I can say is that I’ve definitely grown now, 2020 Bella, she was our beautiful baby ballerina. Now I’m more than just a ballerina. I’m so much more,” she added.

RELATED: LIST: Imelda Schweighart among Miss Universe Philippines 2026 candidates