Josiela Mae Lagrimas from N. Samar is PH bet to Miss Intercontinental

MANILA, Philippines, October 15 ------ The Philippines’ attempt at a third Miss Intercontinental victory now rests on the shoulders of Josiela Mae Lagrimas from Laoang, Northern Samar, who was crowned Mutya ng Pilipinas-Intercontinental in ceremonies held at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan City.

She bested 36 other aspirants from across the country and overseas Filipino communities to inherit the national crown from Miss Intercontinental fourth runner-up Christina Vanhefflin.

Lagrimas will try to win the Miss Intercontinental title five years since Binibining Pilipinas Cinderella Faye Obeñita claimed the Philippines’ second victory. Karen Gallman was the first Filipino woman to win the crown. She won at the 2018 competition held in Manila in January 2019.

The Mutya ng Pilipinas-Top Model of the World crown went to Ciely Ann Berneth Ycoy from the Filipino community of California, while Lyra Punsalan from Davao del Norte was crowned Mutya ng Pilipinas-Global Universe by reigning Miss Global Universe Lyndzy Blyss Maranan.

Reigning Miss Polo Universe Andrea Endicio crowned Jessica Deladia from Tacloban City as Mutya ng Pilipinas-Polo Universe, while Marie Jane Craven from Parañaque City received the Mutya ng Pilipinas-World Top Model title.

The Mutya ng Pilipinas-Overseas Communities title was awarded to Natalie Jewelle Reyes from the Filipino community of the United Arab Emorates, while the Mutya ng Pilipinas-Charity crown went to Iris Oresca from Camarines Sur. Even the runners-up received their own national titles. Maureen Mungcal from Pampanga was named Mutya ng Pilipinas-Luzon, Patricia Gail Dueñas from Cabu City was Mutya ng Pilipinas-Visayas, while Claire Arwen Cacal from Pangasinan was Mutya ng Pilipinas-Mindanao.

The Mutya ng Pilipinas pageant, the second oldest and longest-running national beauty contest in the Philippines, is celebrating its 58th anniversary this year. The 2026 competition was its 55th edition.

Source: inquirer.net