Contenders for the Miss Universe Philippines 2026 crown are starting to emerge as accredited partners begin holding their local pageants to determine their respective bets for the national competition.
Early names for the coveted title include Miss Universe Philippines Laguna Tourism 2026 Ashley Subijano Montenegro, and Miss Universe Philippines Iloilo 2026 Zestah Espinosa.
Montenegro, the statuesque 26-year-old daughter of actor-host Hans Montenegro and Miss World 1994 Top 10 finalist Cara Subijano, is trying her luck this time in the Miss Universe Philippines pageant after joining Miss World Philippines 2022, where she was named Miss Eco Philippines 2022. She went on to finish in the Top 21 at Miss Eco International 2022 in Egypt.
A graduate of Entrepreneurship with a minor in Culinary Arts from Enderun Colleges, Montenegro also completed ground school for a Commercial Pilot’s License at All Asia Aviation Academy. She first joined the Global Asian Model Philippines 2019 search, where she won the title Miss Charm Philippines 2019.
Zestah Shalom Espinosa, a 21-year-old native of Anilao, Iloilo, followed after being crowned in the Miss Iloilo 2026 pageant held during the recent Dinagyang Festival celebration.
Espinosa, an Architecture student at the University of San Agustin, first joined the 3rd Miss Pearl of the Orient Philippines 2025, representing the province of Guimaras. She aims to continue Iloilo’s strong showing in Miss Universe Philippines after fellow Ilonggas Alexie Brooks, crowned Miss Eco International 2025, and Rabiya Mateo, who won Miss Universe Philippines 2022.
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Golden Pillar Awards 2025, a star-studded success
The Golden Pillar Awards 2025 proved to be a star-studded success, held during the Aura Magic Ball Charity Gala at the Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila. Presented by Aura Events Management, headed by president Bennilyn Amigo-Molina, the awards night celebrated excellence by recognizing individuals who have built foundations of integrity, innovation, and influence in the fields of movies, music, and fashion.
The Aura Magic Ball Charity Gala, dubbed “A Walk for a Cause,” was highlighted by a charity fashion show and appearances by Cory Quirino, president and national director of Mutya ng Pilipinas; Dr. Maria Rosa “Bing” Carrion, who served as guest of honor and speaker; Cielo Ortega-Reboredo, vice president of Okada Manila Sales and Marketing; and Francia Camacho Conrado, FAMAS president, who were featured as models.
Celebrity awardees included Jose Mari Chan and Kuh Ledesma, honored with the Golden Pillar Award for Excellence in Music and Artistry; Arci Muñoz, Aiko Melendez, and Ara Mina, who received the Golden Pillar Distinction in Philippine Movie and Entertainment; and Leo Almodal, who was given the Golden Pillar Luxury Fashion Craftsmanship Award.
Noble Queen International 2025 Zara Lopez received the Golden Pillar Award for Excellence in Beauty, Influence, and Advocacy, while reigning Miss Grand International Emma Mary Tiglao was honored with the Golden Pillar Award for Empowered Beauty and Advocate.
Other honorees were Rochelle Pangilinan, Golden Pillar Most Captivating Dancing Diva; the SexBomb Girls, recipients of the Distinguished Dance Troupe Award; Bilib, named Outstanding P-pop Group of the Year; and 4th Impact, recognized as Outstanding Female Vocal Group.
