Bea Millan-Windorski of La Union Crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2026

The Filipino-American standout and Miss Earth alumna is set to represent the Philippines at the Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico.

A New Reign Begins at Mall of Asia Arena

PASAY CITY, Philippines – In a spectacular display of grace and intellect, Bea Millan-Windorski of La Union was officially crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2026 on Saturday, May 2. The grand coronation night, held at the packed SM Mall of Asia Arena, saw the 24-year-old beauty succeed outgoing queen Maria Ahtisa Manalo of Quezon Province.


Millan-Windorski will now carry the Philippine flag to the Miss Universe 2026 international stage, scheduled to take place in Puerto Rico later this year.

From Miss Earth USA to Philippine Royalty

The newly minted queen is no stranger to the global spotlight. An alumna of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Bea previously held the title of Miss Earth USA and achieved a prestigious Top 4 finish at the Miss Earth 2024 pageant.

Following her international success, she made the pivotal decision to relocate to the Philippines. By representing her family’s home province of La Union, she successfully transitioned from an international titleholder to a national icon, championing social causes across the archipelago.

Top Finishers and Standout Finalists

The competition was fierce, featuring a lineup of seasoned pageant veterans and rising stars. The official Top 7 included:

  • Nicole Borromeo (Cebu Province)

  • Apriel Smith (Cebu City)

  • Allyson Hetland (Pampanga)

  • Jenrose Javier (Sultan Kudarat)

  • Bella Ysmael (Taguig)

  • Marian Arellano (Tarlac)

Rounding out the Top 15 were representatives from Baguio, Camiguin, Iloilo City, Negros Occidental, Manila, Muntinlupa, Quezon Province, and Tacloban.

A Heartfelt Commitment to the Motherland

During the decisive final Q&A segment, Millan-Windorski touched the hearts of the judges and live audience with her reflection on her identity and her journey "home."

"The Philippines is 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," she shared.

She described the emotional process of moving her life across the ocean: "I chose to pack my life into balikbayan boxes and suitcases because I believe in the limitless potential of the Filipino people."

With her extensive pageant experience and deep-rooted connection to her heritage, Millan-Windorski enters her reign as a formidable contender for the Miss Universe crown.