FULL TEXT: Miss Universe Philippines 2026 Top 7 question-and-answer

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May 2, 2026 | 10:52pm

MANILA, Philippines — Seven (7) ladies made the final cut to face the dreaded question-and-answer portion at the Miss Universe Philippines 2026 coronation night on Saturday, May 2. 

The selection committee, which includes former titlist Gazini Ganados and actress Jennylyn Mercardo, asked the question: "Many Filipinos are getting frustrated with the country. For you, why is it still worth it to represent the Philippines on the global stage?"

Here are the answers of the Top 7:

Jenrose Javier (Sultan Kudarat)

Miss Universe Philippines symbolizes not just glamor. It represents us all. To Miss Universe Philippines, we have advocacies here and through these advocacies, we help our communities and by that I believe that we, women, we Filipino women are not just a light of beauty, but we are, but we are also a carrier of dreams and aspiration of our nations. Thank you.

Bea Millan-Windorski (La Union)

The Philippines is something in a place that I've been in love with my whole life. Growing up in a predominantly non-diverse part of the United States, I was identified as Filipina first and foremost. I often had to point where the Philippines was on a map to my peers and I always felt a sense of belonging at home. I chose to pack my life into balikbayan boxes and suitcases because I believe in the limitless potential of the Filipino people and the fact that we need to create local opportunities here so that people don't have to go abroad and be separated from their families in order to survive and thrive. If I were given the title of Miss Universe Philippines, I promise to be a public servant for all.

Apriel Smith (Cebu City)

I do understand that we Filipinos feel that way because we care deeply and we know that we deserve better. As an OFW myself, I always send money back home and I feel frustrated too. But as long as we know that we show up and we don't just share struggles, but we share the stories of hope and culture and heritage for us being Filipino. And I'm ready to represent each one of you. To all the Filipinos out there that we don't stop raising our flag because Philippines is worth believing in. Mabuhay tayong mga Pilipino.

Marian Arellano (Tarlac)

I grew up with an OFW mother and my father is a security guard. With this, I learned to be independent. So as a representative of the Philippines in the international stage, I will bring this story that inspire and I will speak up to other people. And I believe, this independency molded me as an empowered Filipina because an empowered Filipina has the light that empowers, enforces the universe. Thank you so much.

Bella Ysmael (Taguig)

Our country is going through a crisis right now, and although this is something that is not new to us, I believe that I'm a representation of a Filipina who never gives up. I have stood on this stage before. But I came back not because this journey is easy. But because I believe that dreams are worth chasing. And I'm here before you because I want to prove that we Filipinos, although we may stumble or fall sometimes, we will always soar twice as high.

Nicole Borromeo (Cebu Province)

As someone who has not only represented the country, I have lived what it means to be a Filipina. And I have seen the growth and the power that it takes to represent the country globally. The Philippines has so much to offer, not just the people, not just the stories, but our hearts, and that deserves to be spread all throughout the universe.

Allyson Hetland (Pampanga)

I believe it is still very important to represent the Philippines in a global stage because the Philippines has so much to offer. From its beautiful mountains to its very beautiful beaches, the Philippines is such a beautiful country to live in and I know that the most powerful tool that I have is to use my voice and be that example that we Filipinos are strong, independent, confident and beautiful. Thank you.

RELATED: Miss Universe Philippines 2026: 7 remain for Q&A segment