Pageant veteran Yllana Marie Aduana announced that she will not be joining this year’s edition of Miss Universe Philippines, saying she feels called to pursue “other big and substantial things” outside of pageantry.
In a heartfelt message to supporters, Yllana shared that she had been reflecting and praying about whether to compete again.
“I have been seeing so many of you curious whether I am going to join again in this year’s edition of @themissuniverseph or not. And honestly, for the past few months, I have also been thinking the same thing and praying really hard to God that He guides me in the process,” she wrote.
Yllana, Miss Universe Philippines 2025 second runner-up and Miss Earth-Air 2023, who has spent four years in pageantry, said she has never entered a competition half-hearted.
“Throughout my 4 years in pageantry, I never stepped into any game half-hearted. It was always a firm decision and mindset of ‘I want it so I’ll do it’ then give it my all and nothing less,” she said.
This year, however, Yllana said her priorities have shifted.
“This year, I realized that my heart wanted to pursue other big and substantial things, but this time, outside of pageantry. Don’t get me wrong, my pageant girly self craves being on the stage and performing again in front of so many people, but hey I guess, the heart wants what it wants,” the beauty queen added.
She thanked her supporters for their patience and kindness, assuring them that 2026 will still be a milestone year for her career.
“I appreciate you all, very dearly. But okay, this year will also be a very big one for me and I am really excited to make it just as impactful as I do all things that make my heart genuinely happy and that will expand my career too! I hope you guys still support me regardless!” Yllana wrote.
Yllana added that she looks forward to cheering on this year’s MUPH delegates.
“Can I just say that I am very excited to cheer on the delegates of MUPH this year and may the best Queen win,” she said.
—With Rosette Adel
RELATED: What we know so far about Miss Universe Philippines 2026
