MANILA, Philippines — Angelica Lopez of Palawan was crowned Reina Filipinas Grand International 2026 on Friday night, earning the right to represent the Philippines at the Miss Grand International 2026 pageant.
Lopez emerged victorious over 20 other candidates during the inaugural Reina Filipinas grand coronation night at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, succeeding Emma Mary Tiglao as the country's representative to the international competition.
Rounding out the finalists were Cleopatra Barrera of Zambales, who finished first runner-up, and Isabella Ortega of Camarines Sur, who placed second runner-up. Zeah Nestle Pala of Mandaluyong and Luisa Benavides of Caloocan were named third and fourth runners-up, respectively.
Joining Lopez in the winners' circle were Anne Patricia Diaz of Manila and Alexie Caimoso Brooks of Iloilo City, who were named the country's representatives to the next edition of MGI All Stars after winning the Reina Filipinas MGI All Stars titles.
A total of 21 delegates from across the country competed in the pageant's inaugural edition, which selected representatives for both the Miss Grand International pageant and the MGI All Stars competition.
The winners were determined through a combination of judges' scores and public votes. The judging panel included internationally acclaimed Filipino designer Michael Cinco, Miss Grand International 2024 CJ Opiaza, first-ever MGI All Stars winner Vanessa Pulgarin of Colombia and MGI All Stars first runner-up Nguyen Huong Giang of Vietnam, among others.
Hosted by Joy Barcoma and Sean Kyle Ortega, the coronation night also featured backstage coverage by beauty queens Gazini Ganados and Fuschia Anne Ravena.
The pageant was launched in June under the leadership of footwear designer and pageant personality Jojo Bragais, whose brand has long been associated with local and international beauty competitions.
The MGI All Stars competition was introduced earlier this year, with the Philippines fielding five representatives in its inaugural edition: Gazini Ganados, Fuschia Anne Ravena, Alexia Nuñez, Imelda Schweighart and Keylyn Trajano. Colombia's Vanessa Pulgarin won the first MGI All Stars crown.
With her victory, Lopez now carries the Philippine sash into this year's Miss Grand International, hoping to add another international title to the country's pageant achievements.
