Beyond the Crown: How Miss Baguio 2026 Stays Relevant to the City
BAGUIO CITY — Sixteen women representing different barangays of Baguio City faced members of the media during the Miss Baguio 2026 Media Presentation held Friday, August 14, at Strawberry Bistro in Wright Park Hotel.
The candidates are a mix of new faces, returning hopefuls, and women with previous pageant experience. Some are still pursuing their studies, some are graduating, while others have already entered their respective professions. Beyond introducing themselves, each candidate was given the opportunity to talk about the advocacy and purpose she hopes to carry throughout the competition.
But perhaps the bigger question raised during the media presentation was this: In a city facing some pressing concerns, how does pageantry remain relevant?
The question became particularly timely following the recent landslide tragedy in Guisad-Surong. Candidates were asked why events such as Miss Baguio should continue amid difficult circumstances. Their answers pointed toward pageantry as more than a celebration of beauty, but a platform that can amplify advocacies, encourage conversations, and give young women an opportunity to contribute to the community.
The question-and-answer session also brought contemporary issues to the table. Candidates discussed both the advantages and disadvantages of artificial intelligence, education, the need for safe and green spaces in an increasingly urbanized Baguio, and ways to support the city’s artists and creative community.
Some answers became deeply personal. Candidates drew from their own experiences, including being raised by a solo mother and having a neurodivergent sibling, allowing the press to know more about the women beyond their photos, credentials, and barangay representations.
For many of the 16 candidates, Miss Baguio is their first major pageant platform. Despite being newcomers, several displayed wit, composure, and grace as they responded to questions ranging from personal experiences to broader social concerns.
The media presentation offered an early glimpse of what this year’s competition could represent. While the crown remains coveted, Miss Baguio 2026 also puts its candidates in a position where they must listen, articulate their stand, and connect their personal advocacies with the realities of the city they hope to represent.
In doing so, Miss Baguio continues to find its place in a changing Baguio, where beauty may draw attention, but purpose gives the platform its relevance.
Meet the Miss Baguio 2026 Candidates, the barangays they are representing and advocacies:
- Camille Cano – Brgy. Sto. Tomas Proper | Movement SHE (Support, Health, Empowerment)
- Mikka Soriano – San Luis Village | Addressing the lingering thread of urban decay in the city or other communities in the country.
- Jessa Sumayog San- New Lucban | Equal access to Education
- Patris Balajadia- Lower Lourdes Subdivision | Beyond awareness, building inclusive community for children with special needs
- Corinthe Mabatan- Loakan Proper | Lead to serve: empowering youth through volunteerism
- Daniela Moustafa- South Sanitary Camp | Supporting Solo Parents
- Charlene Gonzales- Pacdal | Child Welfare and youth development
- Emerie Gumiran- Irisan | Mental Health Awareness
- Shanaya Turco- Gibraltar | Mental Health Awareness
- Kyla Jose – Balsigan | Preserving Baguio’s cultural identity while building a sustainable future
- Jennylyn Bedania- North Sanitary Camp | Culture preservation and inclusive education
- Zeira Tamayo- East Bayan Park | One art for one heart, an advocacy that empowers young aspiring artists through creativity, mentorship and opportunity
- Xyla Magno- Asin Rd. | Building resilient young minds through accessible psychoeducation and safe spaces
- Frances Licayo-Pinget | Mental Health Awareness & Support
- Charlotte Gocioco- Military Cut-off | Mental Health Awareness called “The Kintsugi Mindset” -finding beauty in the healing, not perfecting the broken.
- Katrina Sandhu- San Vicente | Promotion of local artists and crafts
The Miss Baguio 2026 candidates will take part in a series of activities leading to the coronation night. See the photo below for the schedule of upcoming events, and stay tuned to NorthCon for more updates from this year’s Miss Baguio pageant.
