The Manila Times
BEA Millan-Windorski of La Union won the Miss Universe Philippines 2026 title during the pageant’s coronation night in SM Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City, on Saturday. In the final question-and-answer round, the remaining candidates were asked, “Many Filipinos are getting frustrated with the country. For you, why is it still worth it to represent the Philippines on the global stage?” Millan-Windorski’s reply: "The Philippines is something and a place that I've been 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,” she added. Millan-Windorski took a moment to realize she had been named the winner. After national director Ariella Arida’s announcement, she was seen applauding until fellow finalists Allyson Arceo Hetland of Pampanga and Jenrose Javier of Sultan Kudarat alerted her that the title was hers. Miss Universe Philippines 2025 Ahtisa Manalo crowned Millan-Windorski at the close of the program. Breaking from the usual format, the pageant did not announce runners-up from the Top 7 before declaring the winner, with hosts proceeding directly to the final reveal. Completing the Top 7 were Jenrose Javier of Sultan Kudarat, Apriel Smith of Cebu City, Marian Arellano of Tarlac, Ysabella Roxas Ysmael of Taguig, Nicole Borromeo of Cebu and Allyson Arceo Hetland of Pampanga. Millan-Windorski wore a creation by Anthony Ramirez titled “Elyucana: a tribute to the girls of La Union.” Ramirez described the gown as rendered in sun-warmed sand hues with water-like details, evoking a figure “fresh from the ocean” and “kissed by the La Union sun.” Millan-Windorski was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison with degrees in History and International Relations. She previously competed internationally after being crowned Miss Earth USA 2024 and went on to finish as Miss Earth Water. She then relocated to the Philippines, and identifies as an advocate for the environment and migrant workers. At 16, she began volunteering with refugee communities in Milwaukee and founded Open Doors, Open Hearts, an initiative that raises awareness on the experiences of climate refugees. She is also involved with Project Curma, a La Union-based group focused on sea turtle conservation. In response to the flood control projects scandal in the Philippines, Millan-Windorski took part in demonstrations against government corruption. She will represent the Philippines at the 75th Miss Universe pageant in November at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Millan-Windorski is aiming to secure the country’s fifth Miss Universe crown, following victories by Gloria Diaz (1969), Margie Moran (1973), Pia Wurtzbach (2015) and Catriona Gray (2018). This year’s Miss Universe Philippines pageant was hosted by drag performer Marina Summers and featured performances from P-Pop boy group BGYO and singer Jason Dy. Iza Iglesias
Go to News Site