Top 6 Best in National Costumes named at Miss Universe PH 2026

From flowing silhouettes to intricate embellishments reminiscent of waves and marine life, the presentations reflected water’s dual nature: both life-giving and powerful.

Six candidates were recognized as the top of the batch for their standout interpretations of the theme.

Jacqueline Gulrajani of Tacloban City emerged as one of the winners, wearing a national costume titled “Waves of Courage, The Heart of Hope,” designed by Charlotte Rodriguez.

The piece draws inspiration from the tides of loss and survival in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda.

In an interview with pageant content creator @juvenaidvlogs on TikTok, Jacqueline shared how proud and grateful she was to be able to bring the story of Tacloban to the national stage.

"I’m so proud to be Taclobanon, and to have been able to showcase Yolanda—which was truly devastating—but definitely come out a lot stronger,” she said.

"So I’m very happy that we were recognized and that I was able to pay tribute."

Alexandria Colmenares of Negros Occidental also made it to the Top 6, wearing a campy, sardine-can–inspired national costume designed by Ruffy Itaas.

Titled “Victorias: Pride of the Visayan Seas,” the creation drew inspiration from Victorias City’s sardine industry, paying tribute to hardworking fishermen and the province’s rich local food culture.

Alexandria shared her gratitude with pageant content creator @juvenaidvlogs, saying, “I’m really happy that I got this recognition because I really brought my province with me tonight. I’m very, very grateful to everyone for appreciating it.”

Visibly overwhelmed after being named among the Top 6, Nick Lynn Jutay of Iloilo Province said she did not expect to place with her national costume designed by Al Manases Alcoran, inspired by diwal or angel wing clams.

She told pageant content creator @juvenaidvlogs, "I'm very, very happy. I'm very thankful, and grateful at the same time to my creative team behind this look.

"To Sir Al, to my Miss Universe Philippines Iloilo Province Organization, thank you so much! To Josh, to Tatay Edward, to Mommy Stephen, thank you so much.

"I really wasn't expecting anything. As you know, like, from the recent elimination. I was losing hope.

"But now, it made me realize that there's so much more... that I can do so much more, that you only have to wait for your time. So I think, today is my time."

Completing the Top 6 was Roxie Baeyens of Baguio, whose national costume, designed by Ehrran Montoya, drew inspiration from the iconic swan boats of Burnham Park.

Donna Rein Nuguid of Pangasinan wore a creation by Thonete De Ocampo inspired by Amansinaya, the ancient sea goddess and guardian of the waters in Philippine mythology, celebrating the province’s deep connection to the sea.

Meanwhile, Allyson Hetland of Pampanga donned a costume by Sai Macapagal inspired by the centuries-old Libad fluvial procession of Apalit, honoring faith, tradition, and life sustained by the river.

Another candidate who truly stood out during the National Costume presentation was Taal, Batangas representative Juliana Hope Aquino, who wore a swan-inspired national costume.

A photo of Juliana in her creation—shared on the official Miss Universe Philippines Instagram account—garnered over 145,000 likes, especially after netizens learned that she made the costume herself. Many praised her resourcefulness, noting how costly national costumes typically are.

The post drew thousands of supportive comments, including messages from makeup artist Paul Unating, Kenneth Marcelino, David Guison, and fellow candidates Adela Mae Marshall and Ashley Subijano.

Renowned fashion designer Rian Fernandez, known for creating gowns for Miss Universe titleholders—including Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel’s winning look—also extended his support and help to Juliana following the presentation.