Miss World Philippines 2026: Ifugao, Pampanga bets top ‘Head-to-Head’ Challenge

January 23 ------ After two grueling “Head-to-Head” Challenge rounds of the 2026 Miss World Philippines pageant, two ladies from Luzon emerged on top — Ifugao’s Valerie West and Pampanga’s Gabrielle Galapia.

The “fast-track” event is one of the most crucial pre-final competitions whose winner will gain a semifinal slot on the coronation night. The challenge concluded at the Southville International School and Colleges in Las Piñas City. Before the second round of the pre-final competition, the 24 delegates were split into six groups for the initial stage. There, Galapia and West topped Groups 1 and 2, respectively.

National pageant veteran Anne De Mesa from Manila, Jayvee Lyn Lorejo from Davao Region, Asia Rose Simpson from Quezon City, and Lorraine Ojimba from Rizal topped Groups 3 to 6. Two “wildcard” candidates were chosen to complete the Top 8 during the first round — Zoe Sofia Gabon from Naga City and Ansha Lichelle Jones from Zamboanga City.

The national pageant had already conducted the other “fast-track” events for Talent, Sports, and “Beauty with a Purpose.” As in the Head-to-Head Challenge, the winners of these pre-final contests will enter the semifinal round during the final competition.

The 2026 Miss World Philippines pageant will hold its coronation show at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Feb. 3. Krishnah Gravidez, who was proclaimed Miss World Asia in India in May, will crown her national successor at the end of the competition.

Three more national titles will be awarded at the end of the competition: Universal Woman Philippines, Miss Global Philippines, and Miss Tourism International Philippines, whose winners will also compete in international pageants.

Source: inquirer.net