Metro Manila, Philippines – Bea Millan-Windorski, a Filipino-American from La Union, was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2026 on Saturday night, May 2.
The 23-year-old succeeds Ahtisa Manalo, who placed 3rd runner-up at Miss Universe 2025, and will represent the country at the 75th Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico in November.
Millan-Windorski won the crown after delivering a passionate response to the question of why it is still worth representing the Philippines on the global stage despite the frustrations many Filipinos feel about the country.
“The Philippines is something and a place I fell in love with my whole life. Growing up in a predominantly non-diverse part of the United States, I was identified as Filipina first and foremost. I often had to point 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 balikbayan 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.”
Also recognized on pageant night: Miss Congeniality went to Las Piñas, Miss Photogenic to Pateros, and Best in Swimsuit to Manila.
