The stars have aligned for the five beautiful ladies after being crowned as the new queens of Miss Universe Philippines Laguna 2026 at the Santa Rosa Multi Purpose Complex on Saturday, December 20.
Representing the cities and municipalities of Laguna, 14 candidates took their chances to vie for the opportunity that would bring them to the national stage.
The night was a battle of wits, poise, and dedication between women proving themselves not just for the crown, but for their own advocacy.
Santa Rosa City Mayor Arlene Arcillas, who also serves as the Honorary Chairperson of Miss Universe Philippines Laguna, believes that winning the crown (and garland) should inspire the women to look within; and reflect on their kind of leadership.
“It is the beginning of a greater responsibility. You will carry the name of Laguna. You will meet people from different faces and backgrounds. You will represent our values. You will speak for causes that matter. You will have the opportunity to inspire, especially the young women who are watching you tonight and thinking, maybe I can do that too,” Arcillas said.
She reminded the future titleholders to “wear the crown, carry the title with grace, use your platform with purpose, and always remember that true queens build others up.”
For a competition where the female delegates are constantly pitted against each other, Miss Universe Philippines stood the test of time for embracing values that empower women rather than objectify them.
As MUPH Laguna Overall Project Director Michael Bristol noted, “it honors not only beauty, but also the purpose and power of the modern Filipina in Laguna.”
Also present that evening was Laguna Governor Sol Aragones, who reminisced about her younger days when she was a pageant-joiner as well.
Although she came up short in height, the determination that brought her to the pageantries is significant in pushing her into where she is today.
“Kaya sa lahat ng mga contestants ngayong gabing ito, kapag nanalo kayo magdiwang kayo. Kapag hindi, huwag kayong malungkot. Dahil ang lakas ng loob sa pagharap sa napakaraming tao ngayon ay dadalhin niyong aral saan man dako ng mundo kayo magpunta,” Aragones said.
To whoever may win the crown, stand proud for being a Lagunense, she added.
Indeed, the new queen who rose that night was someone that embodied all the defining qualities of a true Miss Universe Philippines Laguna.
When asked why you should be the next Miss Universe Philippine Laguna, Ysabel Cecilia Prats of Santa Rosa City delivered a concise yet loaded answer.
“I believe I should be the next Miss Universe Philippines Laguna 2026, not for my achievements or the diverse qualities that I own, but because I believe that what truly matters is a heart and a hand. It is what's used to serve and to care in our community. And as a leader, that is the biggest thing that I can give, which is selfless service. Thank you, Laguna,” Prats said.
She was later crowned as Miss Universe Philippines Laguna 2026, succeeding Eloisa Jauod of San Pedro City.
Meanwhile, Ashley Victoria Subijano of Luisiana took the title of Miss Universe Philippines Laguna 2026 – Tourism; and Scarlett De Mesa of Los Baños took the title of Miss Universe Philippines Laguna 2026 – Charity.
Completing the new set of queens are Maria Monique Joaquin of Santa Cruz as the 1st Runner-Up, and Audri Caryll De Silva of Nagcarlan as the 2nd Runner-Up.
Prats is expected to represent the Laguna province at the Miss Universe Philippines 2026 pageant.
(Photo from Miss Universe Philippines/Facebook)
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