Miss Asia Pacific International 2026 candidates to explore Cebu

September 27 ------ The delegates of this year’s Miss Asia Pacific International pageant are in for a treat, as they are set to explore Cebu’s tourist destinations from north to south in a span of three weeks. Many of the participants are visiting the Philippines for the first time.

On Sept. 28, the ladies will go island hopping, then explore the city the next day on Sept. 29. They will head north for a two-day tour from Sept. 30 to Oct. 1. The candidates will then head to the southern part of the province for a two-day tour on Oct. 3 to 4 before returning to the city for the pageant’s charity program and a visit to the sponsors. But it will not be only fun and relaxation for the ladies. On their fourth day in Cebu, on Sept. 25, the delegates are expected to appear at the welcome dinner, where they will receive their official sashes bearing the names of their respective countries and territories.

They will then meet the media at the press presentation on Sept. 26. And on Sept. 27, the ladies will showcase the culture and heritage of their respective countries at the National Costume Competition, one of the most anticipated events of the annual pageant.

The crucial preliminary competition is scheduled for Oct. 6, where the delegates will be scored based on their performances in the swimsuit and evening gown rounds. This phase will help determine who will advance to the semifinals. The day after, on Oct. 7, the 2026 Miss Asia Pacific International Gala will be held. And on Oct. 8, the closed-door pre-judging will be conducted, another round of competition that will also help the ladies get closer to the crown.

The new queen will be proclaimed at the conclusion of the Grand Coronation Night, which will be held at Mactan Expo in Lapu-Lapu City on Oct. 10. Thirty-nine delegates are competing to inherit the title from reigning queen Isabela Fernandes of Brazil.

Representing the Philippines is 2026 Miss World Philippines Second Princess Gabrielle Galapia, who will try to score the country’s sixth victory in the 58-year-old international pageant.

Source: inquirer.net