ANGELICA Lopez of Palawan was crowned Reina Filipinas Grand International 2026 on Friday, making her the country’s bet at the upcoming Miss Grand International 2026 pageant.
Lopez bested 20 other candidates at the inaugural Reina Filipinas grand coronation night at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City.
She succeeded Emma Mary Tiglao as the Philippines’ representative to Miss Grand International.
During the question-and-answer segment, Lopez was asked, “There are undeniably so many pageants already. What space do you hope Reina Filipinas would occupy?” To which she answered, “I understand that every pageant serves a purpose and so does Reina Filipinas. Here, they have business which gives women the opportunity to learn new skills and to be more empowered, and to elevate as a person whether it be for sports, entertainment and business. It’s actually a good and empowered platform and a win-win situation for all so that both can move ahead toward the direction of progress, development and productivity.”
Lopez was joined in the winners’ circle by Anne Patricia Diaz of Manila and Alexie Caimoso Brooks of Iloilo City, who were crowned Reina Filipinas MGI All Stars and will represent the country at the next edition of the MGI All Stars competition. MGI All Stars is a separate, special spin-off edition created by the same organization to feature former beauty queens and experienced candidates who have already competed on local or international stages.
Cleopatra Barrera of Zambales was named Reina Filipinas first runner-up and Isabella Ortega of Camarines Sur second runner-up. Zeah Nestle Pala of Mandaluyong and Luisa Benavides of Caloocan emerged as third and fourth runners-up, respectively.
The winners were selected based on a combination of public votes and scores from judges, which included Filipino designer Michael Cinco, Miss Grand International 2024 CJ Opiaza, MGI All Stars winner Vanessa Pulgarin of Colombia, MGI All Stars first runner-up Nguyen Huong Giang of Vietnam and Miss Grand International first runner-up Sarunrat “Gotchabelle” Puagpipa.
Also part of the panel of judges were Dr. Ralph Figueroa Delas Alas, president of Urban Smiles Dental Clinic, and Leo Ortiz, CEO and founder of Beauty Vault.
Joy Barcoma and Sean Kyle Ortega hosted the event, supported by beauty queens Gazini Ganados and Fuschia Anne Ravena.
Reina Filipinas was launched in June under the leadership of footwear designer and pageant personality Jojo Bragais. The competition aims to provide a platform for talented Filipino women while selecting the country’s representatives to international pageants. IZA IGLESIAS
The MGI All Stars competition was introduced earlier this year. The Philippines sent five representatives to its inaugural edition: Ganados, Ravena, Alexia Nuñez, Imelda Schweighart and Keylyn Trajano. Pulgarin of Colombia won the first MGI All Stars crown.
