Filipina beauty queens, celebrities to compete for P25 million prize in ‘Queen of the Islands’

Veterans, celebrities, and fresh faces are coming together for the inaugural “Queen of the Islands 2026,” a Philippine pageant where the winner will get a ₱25 million cash prize.

The competition recently unveiled its first batch of 25 candidates, bringing together familiar names from the local and international pageant scene, alongside showbiz personalities and newcomers looking to make their mark.

“Some are making a grand comeback. Others are ready to make history for the very first time,” the pageant said in a recent social media post.

Among the biggest names in the lineup are five former Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) titleholders: Gazini Ganados, Ahtisa Manalo, MJ Lastimosa, Ariella Arida, and Michelle Dee.

They are joined by other accomplished beauty queens, including Yllana Aduana, Miss Earth Air 2023 and MUPH 2025 second runner-up; Tarah Valencia, Miss Supranational third runner-up; and Alethea Ambrosio, Miss Supranational Asia 2024.

Adding more star power to the competition are celebrities Sanya Lopez, Shuvee Etrata, Ashley Ortega, AZ Martinez, Jade Tecson, MJ Encabo, Herlene Budol, Aira Lopez, and Faith da Silva.

The 25-candidate roster also includes fresh faces who are stepping into the pageant spotlight alongside the more established queens and celebrities, giving the inaugural competition a mix of experienced contenders and newcomers.

The candidates have already begun their pre-pageant activities, including an initial question-and-answer session. The ladies shared what they believe gives them an edge over the other contestants and why they feel they are suited to compete for the title.

They have also started pasarela and runway training as part of their preparations. Recent posts on the official Queen of the Islands social media page showed behind-the-scenes photos and videos of the candidates preparing for the competition and working on their runway walks.