Binibining Pilipinas 2026 aspirants talk wellness and purpose

June 25 ------ Beauty, wellness and purpose took center stage as 34 Binibining Pilipinas 2026 candidates walked the runway and faced questions from members of the media at an event celebrating the pageant’s continuing partnership with My Daily Collagen and My Saiko Skin for the third straight year.

The event gathered all but two of the 36 official candidates competing for this year’s Binibining Pilipinas crown. Aside from showcasing products from the wellness and skincare brands, the candidates were given an opportunity to discuss their advocacies, personal experiences and perspectives on issues ranging from self-care and relationships to Filipino identity and inclusivity.

The interactive question-and-answer session was randomly selected for candidates, allowing the aspiring beauty queens to reveal more of their personalities and beliefs. Alisa Keith Irugin of Cavite said hiking is her preferred form of self-care, describing it as more than just a hobby. “Through hiking and through traveling around the Philippines, it makes us realize what really stands out. Through wellness and our activities, we can create a better future of our own selves and present ourselves as Binibini to all of the people,” she said.

Misamis Oriental’s Ivy Padilla spoke about how beauty pageants can help promote wellness and self-improvement. “Since joining Binibining Pilipinas, I’ve learned so much. It’s a powerful platform that empowers women,” Padilla said. “It also teaches you how to truly care for yourself — nurturing your holistic health, staying in tune with your body, and taking purposeful actions while working with the organization.”

Meanwhile, Elli Rose Elola of Negros Occidental was asked about a recent social media debate involving beauty standards and Filipino identity. “I believe that pageantry should be inclusive whether you have Eurocentric features or you are a pure Filipino. I don’t want to label people or categorize them because this is a platform to celebrate diversity. Rather, we should use our Filipino identity to represent our country and even the world beyond stereotypes,” Elola shared.

Asked what makes her proud to be Filipino, she pointed to values she believes define the nation’s character. “There are many values that make me proud to be Filipino, but above all, it’s our strong work ethic,” Elola said. “It reflects our resilience, creativity, and talent — and also our warmth and hospitality toward others.”

The event was part of the candidates’ preparations for the 62nd Binibining Pilipinas Grand Coronation Night on July 18 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where they will vie for the chance to represent the Philippines internationally and champion causes beyond beauty.

Source: manilatimes.net