“Bodies of water” was the theme for the creative attire featured in the Miss Universe Philippines 2026’s (MUPH 2026) Top 6 Best in National Costume.
Out of the 50 delegates, the organization announced the following beauty queens stood out:
- Tacloban’s Jacqueline Gulrajani
- Baguio City’s Roxie Baeyens
- Pangasinan’s Donna Rein Nuguid
- Iloilo Province’s Nicklyn Jutay
- Negros Occidental’s Alexandria Colmenares
- Pampanga’s Allyson Hetland
Jacqueline, also known as Jacqy Raj, earned mixed reactions for her silver, elaborate ensemble inspired by Super Typhoon Yolanda, with some Filipinos calling it “tone deaf” and “romanticizing” resilience.
READ: Storm of criticism hits Miss Universe PH Tacloban Jacqy Raj over ‘Yolanda’-inspired look
The attire of Roxie, meanwhile, was inspired by the iconic swan boats of Burnham Park, a well-known tourist attraction in Baguio City, also known as the City of Pines.
Donna, on the other hand, embodied Aman Sinaya, the ancient sea spirit of Pangasinan and guardian of the province’s life-giving waters.
Nicklyn’s gold-and-white ensemble was inspired by the “Angel Wing Clam,” locally known as diwal, celebrated as one of Panay’s most prized delicacies.
Alexandria, meanwhile, drew attention with her sardine-inspired national costume, which reflected the coastal heritage of Negros Occidental and the Victorias Food Corporation of Victorias City.
Allyson, on the other hand, wore an ensemble inspired by the fluvial parade tradition of Apalit, Pampanga, designed to honor Saint Peter the Apostle, the patron saint of fishermen.
Other national costumes from additional delegates can be viewed on the MUPH’s Facebook page:
The national costume segment of the pageant allows delegates to showcase a creative outfit that represents the culture and identity of the city, town, or province they are representing through fashion and artistry.
The segment is part of the preliminary activities leading up to the MUPH 2026 coronation at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on May 2, where Ahtisa Manalo will crown her successor, who will go on to represent the Philippines at the upcoming Miss Universe 2026.
