The search for the first-ever queens of the inaugural Reina Filipinas pageant is officially underway.
Reina Filipinas, founded by businessman and acclaimed shoe designer Jojo Bragais together with Miss Grand International 2025 Emma Mary Tiglao, introduced its inaugural batch of candidates during the Grand Reveal on July 13, 2026, at the Crystal Palace of Aquila in the Sky Events Venue in Silang, Cavite.
A total of 21 aspiring queens will compete for three titles in the maiden edition of the pageant: Reina Filipinas Miss Grand International Philippines and two Reina Filipinas Miss Grand International All Stars Philippines crowns.
SELECTION PROCESS
During an interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) and other members of the press, Jojo revealed that the pageant received a strong turnout of applications from aspiring beauty queens across the country, leading the organization to implement a rigorous screening process before finalizing its roster of candidates.
According to Jojo, only a select number of applicants were invited to the final callback round after the organization carefully reviewed their qualifications and online presence.
He explained: "Actually, maraming nag-submit sa online. So, isa sa mga kinonsider namin na hindi na namin sila tinawag sa grand final, yung highs.
"And then yung iba, in-stock na rin namin yung mga social media namin. I think nasa seventy plus na nagpatawag kami ng mga... sinala na talaga sila yung pinatawag kasi mahirap din naman na ipatawag mo lahat din.
"Alam mo naman na parang hindi yun yung hinahanap mo at the moment. So yun."
Jojo emphasized that narrowing down the field was necessary to ensure that only candidates who aligned with the organization's vision for its inaugural edition advanced to the final selection process.
When asked about the primary factor they considered in choosing the finalists, Jojo said the organization prioritized aspiring queens who are already capable of competing at the international level, given the limited time available to prepare the eventual winners for their respective pageants.
Jojo explained: "Well-rounded na queen kasi malapit na ang MGI sa India.
"I think it's gonna be starting September 16, and then the grand finals is gonna be October 10, kung hindi ako mali, ah.
"So malapit na siya, e. So, dapat mas ready."
Aside from being competition-ready, Jojo said they are also looking for candidates who understand the different responsibilities that come with holding a Miss Grand International or Miss Grand International All Stars title.
He added: "And other than sa pagiging ready, dapat naiintindihan yung iba-ibang facets ng pageantry.
"Kas, di ba, may stage na laban, meron din the business side of it, pag-i-endorse, pagsasalitâ.
"So I think somebody who's more ready to embrace the responsibility."
21 FINALISTS: VETERANS VERSUS ROOKIES
Among the candidates introduced were several pageant veterans, including Angelica Lopez, who was crowned Binibining Pilipinas International 2023 and represented Palawan at the Miss Universe Philippines 2022 pageant.
When asked why she decided to return to pageantry, Angelica said it has always been her calling and that she believes the Miss Grand International platform is the perfect fit for her.
In her words, "I just feel like this is my calling po talaga. I've been in love in this industry for so long and naniniwala po talaga ako sa goodness ng platform.
"And when I saw Reina Filipinas, and we all know that MGI Philippines and MGI All Stars is actually under Reina Filipinas...
"And I just also think na fit na fit siya sa personality ko.
"And I know that a lot of people know me as someone who grew up as an introvert, na parang hindi ako masyadong bubbly and fun and something like that.
"But I guess I wasn't really properly introduced myself back then.
"And now I'm coming back even more stronger because I really just wanna bring positivity and inspiration to a lot of people."
Another notable finalist is Anne Patricia Lorenzo Diaz, the reigning Miss International Queen Philippines 2025 titleholder.
Her inclusion in the competition also marks a historic milestone, as she becomes the first transgender woman to compete in the Reina Filipinas pageant.
When asked what motivated her to join the competition, Anne shared that she initially believed many fellow transgender queens would also take part in the inaugural Reina Filipinas pageant, making the opportunity even more exciting and meaningful for her.
Anne shared, "Nung una po... I thought na maraming sasali because I have MIQ Philippine sisters which is Lars [Pacheco], Sophia [Nicole Arkanghel], Fuschia [Anne Ravena] who's competed... last May."
Anne said she feels honored to be part of the inaugural batch of Reina Filipinas candidates and hopes her inclusion in the pageant will inspire more transgender women to pursue their dreams in pageantry and break barriers within the industry.
In Anne's words: "Now that I'm standing here alone, competing with my fellow cisgender women sister, sobrang proud ako sa sarili ko kasi I know exactly na yung ibang mga trans sisters ko, they're afraid to get here dahil doon sa judgment na makukuha nila...
"They thought that people always think that we, transgender women, we're not equal when it comes to any competition sa mga cisgender women.
"And by standing here alone, I know exactly na naka-inspire ako dun sa mga bata and the next generation of transpinay na hindi matakot subukan, and to compete, and to follow their dreams."
Another standout candidate is Alexie Caimoso Brooks of Iloilo City, who already has international pageant experience after being crowned Miss Eco International 2025.
Also joining the competition is Zeah Nestle Pala of Mandaluyong, a former Miss Bikini Philippines titleholder and It's Showtime Sexy Babe winner.
Meanwhile, Scarlett de Mesa of Muntinlupa and Kristen Marcelino of Pateros are no strangers to the national pageant scene, having previously competed in the Miss Universe Philippines pageant.
Half of the finalists are pageant newcomers with no prior experience in national competitions, adding an exciting dynamic to the race.
Sahara Bernales presenting Pampanga is among the newbies. Sahara, however, is already known in the entertainment scene as she has actred in severa VMX films, known for sexy movies.
Asked whether her experience as a sexy star gives her an advantage in the competition, Sahara said she believes it does, as it has helped shape her experiences and perspective in life.
Sahara explained: "Of course. Siyempre, advantage yun kasi kung hindi ako naging sexy star, e, di hindi... I mean, kulang yung mga experience ko na ma-share ko sa ibang tao.
"And siyempre as a VMX artist, ibig sabihin nakapasok ako sa Reina Filipinas... yung mga taong natatakot na lumaban o mag... like, sumali sa Reina Filipinas, lumakas ang loob nila kasi ako tinanggap ako, e.
"So, what more pa sila? Kaya niyo yan."
Below is the full list of aspiring queens vying for the Reina Filipinas Miss Grand International Philippines and Miss Grand International All Stars Philippines titles in the inaugural edition of the Reina Filipinas pageant:
- Reina Filipinas-Bataan, Verciandy Santos
- Reina Filipinas-Bulacan, Bianca Mae Bautista
- Reina Filipinas-Caloocan, Luisa Lorin Benavides
- Reina Filipinas-Camarines Sur, Isabella Ortega
- Reina Filipinas-Ilocos Sur, Ronalyn Valeza
- Reina Filipinas-Iloilo City, Alexie Caimoso Brooks
- Reina Filipinas-Koronadal, South Cotabato, Frezle Juana Verzo
- Reina Filipinas-La Union, Reign Gale Nejal
- Reina Filipinas-Mandaluyong, Zeah Nestle Pala
- Reina Filipinas-Manila, Anne Patricia Lorenzo Diaz
- Reina Filipinas-Mariveles, Bataan, Cassandra De Jesus
- Reina Filipinas-Muntinlupa, Scarlett de Mesa
- Reina Filipinas-Nueva Ecija, Jesree Einz Aguilar
- Reina Filipinas-Palawan, Angelica Lopez
- Reina Filipinas-Pampanga, Sahara Bernales
- Reina Filipinas-Pangasinan, Shaira May Soria
- Reina Filipinas-Pateros, Kristen Marcelino
- Reina Filipinas-Quezon City, Precious Faith Paulo
- Reina Filipinas-Rizal, Jade Isabel Candilado
- Reina Filipinas-San Mateo, Rizal, Hanna Michaela Amistad
- Reina Filipinas-Zambales, Cleopatra Barrera
The first-ever Reina Filipinas queens will be crowned on August 7, 2026, at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Newport World Resorts, Pasay City.
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