More than the gowns and the walk, the question-and-answer portion remains one of the most defining moments of the Miss Universe Philippines stage. In case you missed it, here is the full transcript of the Miss Universe Philippines 2026 Q&A portion.
Photo: Miss Universe Philippines
The Top 7 Finalists were asked the same question: “Many Filipinos are getting frustrated with the country. For you, why is it still worth it to represent the Philippines on the global stage?” Here are their answers in order of appearance.
Jenrose Javier – Sultan Kudarat (Pina Beauty Award Winner)
Photo: Miss Universe Philippines 2026
“Miss Universe Philippines symbolizes not just glamor; it represents us all. The Miss Universe Philippines, we have advocacies here, and through these advocacies, we help our communities. And through that, I believe that we, Filipina women, are not just a light of beauty but we are also a carrier of dreams and aspirations of our nation. Thank you.”
Bea Millan-Windorski – La Union
Photo: Miss Universe Philippines 2026
The Philippines is a place that I’ve been in love with my whole life. Growing up in a predominantly non-diverse part of the United States, I was identified as a Filipina first and foremost. I often had to point out where the Philippines was on a map to my peers, and I always felt a sense of belonging and home. I chose to pack my life into balikbakayan boxes and suitcases because I believe in the limitless potential of the Filipino people, and the fact that we need to create local opportunities here so that people don’t have to go abroad and be separated from their families in order to survive and thrive. If I were given the title of Miss Universe Philippines, I promise to be a public servant for all.
Apriel Smith – Cebu City
Photo: Miss Universe Philippines 2026
I do understand that we, Filipinos, feel that way because we care deeply and we know that we deserve better. As an OFW myself, I always send money back home, and I feel frustrated too. But as long as we know that we show up, and we don’t just share struggles, but we share the stories of hope and culture and heritage for us being Filipino. And I’m ready to represent each one of you, to all the Filipinos out there, that we don’t stop raising our flag because the Philippines is worth believing in. Mabuhay tayong mga Pilipino!
Marian Arellano – Tarlac
Photo: Miss Universe Philippines 2026
I grew up with an OFW mother and my father, a security guard. With this, I learned to be independent, so as a representative of the Philippines in the international stage, I will bring this story that inspire, and I will speak up to other people. And I believe, this independence molded me as an empowered Filipina because an empowered Filipina has the light that empowers and forces the universe.
Ysabella Roxas Ysmael – Taguig
Photo: Miss Universe Philippines 2026
Our country is going through a crisis right now. And although this is something that is not new to us, I believe that I am a representation of a Filipino who doesn’t give up. I have stood on this stage before, but I came back not because this journey is easy, but because I believe that dreams are worth chasing. And I’m here before you because I want to prove that we Filipinos, although we may stumble or fall sometimes, we will always soar twice as high.
Nicole Borromeo – Cebu Province
Photo: Miss Universe Philippines 2026
As someone who has not only represented the country, I have lived what it means to be Filipina, and I have seen the growth and the power that it takes to represent the country globally. The Philippines has so much to offer – not just the people, not just the stories, but our hearts – and that deserves to be spread all throughout the universe.
Allyson Arceo Hetland – Pampanga
Photo: Miss Universe Philippines 2026
I believe that it is still very important to represent the Philippines on a global stage because the Philippines has so much to offer. From its beautiful mountains to its very beautiful beaches, the Philippines is such a beautiful country to live in. And I know that the most powerful tool that I have is to use my voice and be that example that we Filipinos are strong, independent, confident, and beautiful.
What are your thoughts on this? Tell us in the comments.
