Three candidates from Cavite province were crowned Saturday to represent the region in the Miss Universe Philippines 2026 pageant, marking a historic expansion of local representation in the national beauty competition.
Jensel Manansala Caña was named the primary Cavite representative during a coronation ceremony held at Fernwood Gardens on Jan. 24. Fashion and beauty personality Raymond Villanueva hosted the event, which drew attendees from the fashion industry, pageantry circuit and local government.
Joining Caña were Felicia Fran Aldana, crowned Miss Universe Philippines–Bacoor 2026, and Tyra Jane Godino, named Miss Universe Philippines–Dasmariñas 2026. The three will compete in this year’s national pageant for the title currently held by Ahtisa Manalo, who placed as third runner-up at Miss Universe 2025.
Cavite has produced notable finalists since the national pageant’s 2020 inception. Billie Hakenson finished as fourth runner-up in the inaugural competition, while Victoria Velasquez-Vincent won the Miss Universe Philippines–Charity title in 2021.
Norman Malagueño Acuba, a Cavite-based fashion designer, serves as the province’s official local director for Miss Universe Philippines. He and partners Lynn Bautista and Gale Salazar signed an agreement with the national pageant organization in October, confirming Cavite would send three delegates to the 2026 competition.
The move reflects broader organizational changes by Miss Universe Philippines. Since 2024, the pageant has required all delegates to come from authorized cities, municipalities, provinces or overseas Filipino communities through its local directors program. The organization eliminated open screenings in favor of community-based selection processes.
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