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February 22, 2026 | 5:30pm
Miss Universe Philippines Manila 2026 Justine Felizarta at the intimate bequeathal ceremony at the Wack Wack Golf & Country Club with members of the pageant media on February 21, 2026.
Philstar.com / Earl D.C. Bracamonte
MANILA, Philippines — The Miss Universe Philippines (MUPh) Manila organization and Merlion Manila, holder of the local franchise, held an intimate bequeathal ceremony at the Wack Wack Golf & Country Club with members of the pageant media.
Miss Universe Philippines Manila 2025 Jasmine Paguio handed the responsiblity of representing the capital city of Manila to Justine Felizarta as Miss Universe Philippines Manila 2026 through a no-frills sashing and crowning ceremony last February 20.
“Twelve years ago, the Miss Manila pageant gave me the opportunity to start my pageant journey. So when they invited me to have a shot at the Miss Universe Philippines crown, I said yes to a dream that I thought was over for me. When the opportunity presented itself, it was too good to pass," Justine said.
“I’ve been eyeing for the Miss Universe crown since I first joined pageantry. But license holding exchanged hands, ‘til the unexpected changes (i.e., the scrapping of age restriction) happened that kind of reawakened my dream,” added the Super Bods 2024 winner.
This is Justine’s fourth pageant journey, including the Miss Manila 2014, Binibining Pilipinas 2021, Miss World Philippines 2022, and Miss Tourism World 2022, where she won as 1st runner-up to eventual winner, Erina Hanawa of Japan.
“Pageant experience is an advantage ‘cause you take with you every lesson from each one you joined. I remember being inspired by Miss Universe 2013 3rd runner-up Ariella Arida during the 50th anniversary edition of Binibining Pilipinas. Purpose defines the crown, whatever brand it is. You use it with your voice to inspire a lot of people,” said Justine.
The pageant veteran's advocacy is centered on health and wellness, which is closely linked to her pharmacy business.
The organization, fortunately, chose her to represent the very city where she began her very first pageant over a decade ago.
“Manila is a city of resilience and opportunity. To represent the Philippines on the global stage is an honor. I don’t take that lightly. But first, I need to bring back the national crown to the city of Manila,” Justine said.
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