Meet Bea Millan-Windorski, the new Miss Universe Philippines 2026

The Philippines has crowned its next queen as Bea Millan-Windorski of La Union emerged victorious in the Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) 2026 Pageant at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

On Saturday, May 2, Windorski stood out among 49 other contestants, making the cut for the final 30 and then advancing to the final round of 7 where a combination of fan votes and selection by the committee decided the fate of the contestants.

Returning host Drag superstar Marina Summers emceed the coronation night  while P-pop sensation BGYO opened with “All These Ladies,” as the contestants were introduced.

Windorski, 23, was one of the few who stood out in both the swimsuit and evening gown rounds. In the swimsuit segment, she joined other delegates in white bikinis paired with colorful capes. She later wore a gold-beaded evening gown with a high slit, drawing some of the loudest cheers from the audience.

From the semifinalists, the Top 7 were announced: Sultan Kudarat, La Union, Cebu City, Tarlac, Taguig, Cebu Province, and Pampanga.

The Q&A round quickly followed, where the Top 7 were given 45 seconds each to answer the same question, “Many Filipinos are being frustrated with the country. For you, why is it still worth it to represent the Philippines on the global stage?”

Miss Sultan Kudarat, Jen Rose Gomez Javier, answered first.  Windorski was next, replying, "The Philippines is 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 a 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 and hope."

She said she chose to pack her life into balikbayan boxes and suitcases because she believes in the limitless potential of the Filipino people, and emphasized the need to create local opportunities so Filipinos do not have to go abroad and be separated from their families to survive and thrive.

She concluded by saying, “If I were given the title as Miss Universe Philippines, I promise to be a public servant for all.”

Before Windorski was announced as the winner, Miss Universe 2025 Ahtisa Manalo made her final walk in a glittering pink gown. Windorski will represent the Philippines at the Miss Universe pageant in November in Puerto Rico.

Shortly after her win, she posted on Instagram: “Malayo pa, pero malayo na.”

“Pilipinas, my heart is full of love and gratitude. I’m ready to use this crown to amplify the voice of every Filipino across the Universe.”

Windorski has been vocal about environmental advocacy. In her Miss Universe Philippines introduction video, she highlighted her work including sea turtle conservation through Project CURMA. She has continued using her platform to push for stronger climate action and sustainability efforts in the country.

Born in 2002 and raised in Wisconsin, USA, the beauty queen later relocated to the Philippines for pageant season, public service and her modeling work. She represents La Union, her mother’s home province.

Before competing in Miss Universe Philippines 2026, Bea won the title Miss Earth USA 2024 at 21, becoming the first Filipino-American to hold the title. She later competed in Miss Earth 2024 representing the USA, where she won an elemental title, Miss Earth Water.