Gwendoline Meliz Soriano of Baguio City Crowned Binibining Pilipinas International 2026

Courtesy: Binibining Pilipinas

Baguio City’s Gwendoline Meliz Soriano achieved pageant glory on Saturday night, capturing the prestigious Binibining Pilipinas International 2026 title during the 62nd grand coronation night at the historic Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The glittering event, which concluded in the early hours of July 19, saw Soriano inherit the crown from her predecessor in front of a roaring, packed arena. She will now prepare to represent the Philippines at the Miss International 2027 pageant.

Joining her in the winner's circle is Tarlac Province's Sasha-Juli Belle Lacuna, who was crowned Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2026. Lacuna will quickly pivot to international training, as she is set to compete on the global stage at The Miss Globe 2026 pageant later this year.

Rounding out the 2026 royal court are Dumaguete City’s Julianne Raine Antonio, who finished as 1st Runner-Up, and Bacolod City’s Tracy Mae Sunio, who was named 2nd Runner-Up.

A Night of Star-Studded Royalty

The 62nd edition of the country's most enduring pageant was a masterclass in entertainment, hosted by an all-star lineup of former Binibining Pilipinas titleholders. Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray led the hosting duties alongside Nicole Cordoves, MJ Lastimosa, and Miriam Quiambao.

The evening's energy was amplified by high-octane performances from P-pop boy group Alamat and singer-actor Kyle Echarri. Adding a touch of classic showbiz romance to the evening, television icon Jericho Rosales serenaded the finalists during the crucial evening gown competition.

Soriano Dominates the Technical Categories

Soriano's path to the crown was solidified early in the night as she consistently scored high with the judges and fans. Her statuesque stage presence earned her the coveted Best in Swimsuit award, cementing her status as the frontrunner before her poised delivery in the final Question and Answer portion secured her the ultimate victory.

Other major competitive awards of the night included:

• Best in Evening Gown: Mylene Manschus (Tanza, Cavite)
• Binibining Tourism: Pauline Thea Ann Ibuyan (Aklan)
• Face of Binibini (Miss Photogenic): Pauline Thea Ann Ibuyan (Aklan)

In an unprecedented move reflecting the extraordinary craftsmanship on display, the organization named five distinct winners for the Best in National Costume award. The designers and tactical assignment winners recognized were Mylene Manschus (Tanza), Ain Niqyla Abad (San Jose, Occidental Mindoro), Samantha Marie Zabarte (Dasmariñas), Iris Oresca (Bicol Region), and Patricia Lynn Beerda (Iloilo).

'Minsan Senator-Judge, Minsan Bb. Pilipinas Judge'

Courtesy: Senator Risa Hontiveros

Beyond the dazzling parade of contestants, one of the biggest highlights of the night was the high-profile presence of Senator Risa Hontiveros, who served as the Chair of the Board of Judges. 

The senator's stint on the panel provided a moment of lighthearted relief from her heavy legislative workload. Hontiveros took to social media to share her excitement, joking on her official Instagram account, “Minsan Senator-Judge, minsan Bb. Pilipinas Judge hehe,” in a witty nod to her simultaneous, serious role in the ongoing senate impeachment proceedings of Vice President Sara Duterte.

In a fateful twist during the crucial Top 12 semifinal question round, eventual winner Gwendoline Meliz Soriano randomly drew Hontiveros's name from the stack of envelopes. Upon hearing that she would be answering a question from the popular senator, the Baguio City beauty excitedly pumped her fist in the air, much to the delight of the roaring crowd. Following the coronation, Hontiveros expressed her admiration online, noting it was a true honor to help choose this year's batch of empowered Filipina leaders.

Hontiveros led a star-studded judging panel that included:

• Gloria Diaz (Miss Universe 1969)
• Precious Lara Quigaman (Miss International 2005)
• Catalina Duque (Reigning Miss International 2025)
• Cheraim Chayathanus Saradatta (Miss Globe 2025 winner)
• Janine Gutierrez (Actress)
• Scottie Thompson (PBA Basketball Star)

Next Steps for the Queens

With the national competition concluded, BPCI (Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc.) will soon begin intensive training regimens for both titleholders. The pressure is notably high for Lacuna, who has only a few months to prepare for her international stint at The Miss Globe. Meanwhile, Soriano enjoys a longer runway of preparation, giving her over a year to perfect her strategy to bring home the country's next Miss International crown in 2027.