A new season and a new chapter begin for Miss Universe Philippines as it is set to officially launch its seventh edition on February 16.
The pageant is set to kick off with a new partnership and a public launch, signaling a refreshed experience for delegates and fans
Here’s what we know so far.
The ‘first walk’
This year’s competition opens with a symbolic and highly visible moment: a Delegate Parade at SM Mall of Asia.
For their first official appearance, candidates will ride in open vehicles through one of the country’s busiest lifestyle hubs, greeting fans and formally beginning their journey to the crown.
The parade serves as the candidates’ literal and symbolic “first walk” toward the Miss Universe Philippines crown.
A new partnership
After the parade, the spotlight shifts to City of Dreams Manila, which hosts the official press presentation at its Grand Ballroom.
The partnership marks a notable development for MUPH 2026, aligning the pageant with one of the country’s leading integrated resort destinations.
“The Miss Universe Philippines Organization is excited for this year’s edition. We are grateful for another opportunity to make the dreams of young Filipinas to come true. Our new partnership with the City of Dreams Manila is going to be amazing. We have one of the strongest batches, and we know whoever wins will make our country proud,” UPH Executive Vice-President Voltaire Tayag said.
City of Dreams Manila’s leadership echoed the same sentiment.
“We are pleased to support Miss Universe Philippines 2026 in its admirable advocacy to build confidence in Filipino women and mold them to live meaningfully for the good of the community. We will feel honored to be remembered by the candidates that their ‘first walk’ in a journey that could change their life for a brighter future, was at City of Dreams Manila,” Property President Geoff Andres said.
‘One of the strongest batches’
While the candidates have yet to fully introduce themselves to the public, organizers are already signaling confidence in this year’s lineup.
Tayag described the group as “one of the strongest batches,” raising expectations for a competitive and potentially high-caliber season.
For a franchise that has consistently fielded strong contenders internationally, that is a notable claim early in the competition cycle.
New competition format
Beyond the pageantry of the launch, MUPH 2026 is also teasing structural changes.
Organizers say the press launch will feature key announcements, strategic partnerships, and the introduction of a new competition format that will redefine the MUPH experience for both delegates and fans. Details remain under wraps.
Fan engagement
This year’s kickoff also highlights an intensified focus on fan participation.
To celebrate the MUPH 2026 press presentation, “First Walk to the Crown,” City of Dreams Manila is offering a 10% discount at its resort-operated restaurants until February 16. Diners can claim the offer by showing the “Dine Where Queens Dine” social media post from City of Dreams’ official Facebook page.
As part of the #TheFirstWalkToTheCrown Fan Experience Giveaway, visitors who join the social media campaign also have a chance to be one of five winners to receive an invitation for two to the MUPH 2026 press presentation.
—With Rosette Adel
