MANILA, Philippines — The race for the next Mutya ng Pilipinas queens is entering a crucial stage, with aspiring candidates given until September 28, 2026 to submit their applications for the prestigious national pageant.
The approaching deadline puts added attention on the nationwide search as the Mutya ng Pilipinas Organization continues expanding its network of regional franchises and strengthening its pipeline of candidates ahead of the 2026 national competition.
The organization, which has been staging the pageant since 1968, describes Mutya ng Pilipinas as a platform not only celebrating Filipino beauty but also promoting empowered women, purpose-driven leadership and social responsibility.
Regional searches widen the competition
The 2026 edition is already seeing increased regional activity.
One of the latest developments is the launch of Mutya ng Pilipinas Cebu, which is open to Cebuanas as well as interested aspirants from neighboring Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor. The regional winner will advance to the national finals.
The Cebu screening is scheduled for September 20 at the CWC Design Center, while its coronation is planned for the final week of September at the Marco Polo Grand Ballroom in Cebu.
The Cebu franchise is part of a broader expansion by the organization. Philstar reported that, including Cebu, Mutya ng Pilipinas has 17 other national franchisees and six overseas license holders representing Filipino communities abroad.
The organization also recently greenlit the Mutya ng Pilipinas Rizal search, with the provincial competition set to add another representative to the national lineup.
Why the 2026 search is attracting attention
The growing regional footprint comes as Mutya ng Pilipinas builds momentum from the international achievements of its previous queens.
In July, the organization celebrated the victories of Lyndzy Maranan, who became the Philippines’ first winner of Miss Global Universe, and Eunice Dimaculangan Deza, who finished second runner-up at Top Model of the World 2026.
Maranan, a Mutya ng Pilipinas Luzon 2025 titleholder, made history with her Miss Global Universe victory in Malaysia, while Deza’s Top 3 finish in Egypt marked the Philippines’ first placement in the competition’s Top 3 in more than three decades, according to Philstar.
Those results have added another layer of anticipation to the search for the next batch of Mutya queens, particularly as the organization continues positioning its winners for international opportunities.
A pageant with a long Philippine legacy
Mutya ng Pilipinas traces its beginnings to 1968, when it was established as Miss Asia Quest Inc. The organization later expanded its international reach and eventually developed into an independent national pageant.
Over the decades, its titleholders have represented the Philippines in international competitions, with notable winners including Michelle Aldana, Maria Esperanza Corazon Manzano, Sharifa Akeel and Cyrille Payumo.
The organization is currently headed by Cory Quirino, who serves as president.
With the application deadline now set for September 28, prospective candidates have a limited window to take their shot at joining one of the country’s longest-running beauty pageants.
And with regional searches already underway, the biggest question may no longer be whether the 2026 competition will produce strong contenders—but which aspiring queen will emerge from the growing field and ultimately claim the Mutya ng Pilipinas crown?
WWC ONE MEDIA J.M.S
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