After bringing home the Miss Elite World 2026 crown from Egypt, Sophia Bianca Santos is finally taking in the magnitude of her achievement.
During her homecoming press conference in Makati City, the 22-year-old Filipina beauty queen reflected on the challenges, sacrifices, and moments of self-doubt that ultimately led to her international victory.
Sophia extended the Philippines' reign at Miss Elite World after besting more than 30 delegates in the international pageant.
She followed in the footsteps of Juvyel Anne Saluta, who won the title in 2024, and also earned the Best in Evening Gown award during the competition.
The newly crowned queen joined fellow international winners Gabrielle Galapia, 3rd Runner-up at Miss Asia-Pacific International 2026, and Jayvee Lyn Lorejo, 3rd Runner-up at Miss Global 2026, at a victory press conference organized by ALV Pageant Circle at Discovery Primea in Makati City on Monday, October 26, 2026.
SOPHIA BIANCA SANTOS on victory finally sinking in
Although she was crowned in Egypt, Sophia admitted that she only fully realized what she had accomplished after returning home.
"Actually, I think nung nakauwi na ako dito, doon ko para na-sink in. Kasi after the competition, we go to Cairo, enjoy the moment.
"Parang competition pa rin kasi yung vibes, enjoyment with the girls.
"When I [returned] in the Philippines, nung nakita ko yung mga tao, the pageant media, the homecoming, doon ko talaga na-sink in sa akin na, 'Oh, I won.'
"It was after the challenges in two years, after the sacrifices, it's all paid off."
After weeks of being away from home, Sophia wasted no time satisfying her cravings for Filipino food.
"Actually me, I [ate] Jollibee, four meals sa isang araw kasi sobrang crave na crave ko na yung Jollibee and that's my favorite. Kasi sa Egypt is different [yung] food there.
"Sobrang iba pero masarap. And especially yung dessert nila na parang bar. I think that's the product po talaga nila in Egypt."
She added, "Na-miss ko sobra. As in, kaka-Mang Inasal ko lang actually."
Sophia also laughed about gaining weight after returning to the Philippines.
"Tumaba ako. Then doon sa Egypt, I saw my video during the competition. Super payat ko, but now, sabi daw nila I'm so chubby."
"Nag-gain ako. Babalik na ako [sa gym] kasi I'm going to ready for the beach."
While the competition itself went smoothly, Sophia recalled an unpleasant experience at the airport that became the most challenging part of her journey.
"I think during the independence sa airport. Sobrang hirap po kasi they opened my luggages all because parang super strict po sa Cairo Airport.
"Then, binalik ko po siya mag-isa na para akong tanga doon. Pero it's a paid off po."
The airport personnel ended up inspecting all four of her suitcases.
She quipped: "Akala nila nagbebenta ako ng heels, nagbebenta ako ng make-up. Sobrang hirap. Yun yung pinaka-challenge. Yun lang naman challenge."
Fortunately, the rest of the experience was memorable for all the right reasons.
"Yes, in-enjoy ko. Yung Miss Elite po kasi is every day, every night, party. We use parang tuktuk, golf cart, and the beach there is like Maldives."
SOPHIA BIANCA SANTOS: back-to-back win
Sophia admitted that she entered the competition feeling well-prepared and confident after two years of working toward her goal..
However, once she met the other delegates, she realized the competition would not be easy.
"Actually, yes. Nung nandito pa ako sa Philippines because I feel na prepare na prepare ako for two years.
"But nang nasa Egypt na ako and I see the girls, they're so beautiful. They have [their] own story to tell.
"And actually, Venezuela, I see my competitor kasi super pasabog din siya every day.
"But I always think that I need to trust the process and I give my best, 101% best.
"And I know the swimsuit competition is my very, very best segment.
"That's my favorite segment, and that's almost four million views kasi ramp na ramp na ako for two years."
Behind the victory was a period when Sophia seriously considered walking away from her dream.
The pageant was initially postponed due to delays in processing visas for the participating delegates.
"Yes, honestly talaga gusto ko nang sumuko and gusto ko na talaga rumampa on the stage when I see the other girls competing na. And I think binigyan ako ni Lord ng sign.
"I always attend Thursday mass and di ako nag-absent for that.
"Then yung mga speeches nila doon is you never give up, you need to trust the process, you need to be patience.
"And I think that is the sign that gave Lord to me. And now, like successful, patience is a virtue."
What's next for Miss Elite World 2026?
As she begins her reign, Sophia said she is eager to focus on her responsibilities as Miss Elite and continue pursuing her advocacy.
"That's why when I get the prize, talagang i-spend ko for that because I love them. And yes, I'm so excited and I'm looking forward what's the next of my work."
For young women hoping to pursue pageantry, Sophia stressed the importance of confidence.
"I want to say just believe in yourself. Keep working, keep believing, and you need to be ready mentally, physically, emotionally.
"Because pageant is not easy, but it's use you to inspire other people like me. And if you want to be a beauty queen, just follow your dreams and enjoy."
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