Binibining Pilipinas 2026 unveiled its Top 10 Best National Costume finalists on Thursday after candidates showcased elaborate creations celebrating Philippine culture, heritage and local craftsmanship.
Following the recently concluded Gala Night at Novotel Manila Araneta City and the opening of the Glam Shot Photo Exhibit at Gateway Mall 2, all 36 candidates took the stage in national costumes during the pageant’s National Costume Competition at the New Frontier Theater.
Making this year’s shortlist for Best National Costume were: Patricia Lynn Beerda of Iloilo; Ain Niqyla Saladaga Abad of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro; Anne Klein Escoto Castro of Pampanga; Kaye Pastelero of Cavite Province; Mylene Bataclan Manschus of Tanza, Cavite; Britney Angel Rubino of Caluya, Antique; Sasha-Juli Belle Penuliar Lacuna of Tarlac Province; Iris Oresca of the Bicol Region; Samantha Marie Zabarte of Dasmariñas, Cavite; and Pauline Thea Ann Esguerra Ibuyan of Aklan.
The pageant said online voting is now open to determine fan favorites from the Top 10. The final Top Five Best National Costumes will be announced during the Grand Coronation Night on July 18 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Aside from the costume parade, the event featured the first public screening of the candidates’ tourism videos, highlighting the attractions, history and cultural heritage of their respective localities.
Pauline Thea Ann Esguerra Ibuyan of Aklan also received the Binibining Tourism 2026 title for her tourism video.
The program opened with candidates carrying handbags by Filipino designer Zarah Juan paired with jewelry by Arnel Papa before taking the runway in their national costumes. P-pop girl group KAIA performed several of its songs during the show.
The competition was hosted by reigning and former titleholders Annabelle McDonnell, Myrna Esguerra, Jasmine Bungay and Maureen Montagne.
Beyond the pageant festivities, organizers said proceeds from ticket sales will benefit families affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Mindanao through the Philippine Red Cross. During the event, Nustar Online also pledged P1 million to support relief and rehabilitation efforts in the region.
The National Costume Competition serves as one of the major preliminary events leading to the Binibining Pilipinas 2026 Grand Coronation Night, where this year’s queens will be crowned.
