Bb. Pilipinas International 2026 Gwendoline Meliz Soriano. ABS-CBN News
QUEZON CITY — After putting her Binibining Pilipinas plans on hold in 2022, Gwendoline Meliz Soriano returned to the competition this year and clinched the Miss International Philippines 2026 title — along with a sweep of the major special awards.
The beauty queen representing Baguio City also bagged the Best in Swimsuit and Best in Evening Gown awards during the coronation night.
“I believe in perfect timings. In 2022, I had to face a lot of losses at the time — the loss of my dad. Right now, I just trust this is the perfect time. I get to do my duties and the things I love better, wiser, and stronger,” she said in an interview held after the pageant.
“It has not sunk in... I have been dreaming about this as a kid. Now that I am here, it feels surreal. I am just so full of gratitude.”
Soriano also revealed that she struggled with severe dysmenorrhea during the coronation night, making the fast-paced wardrobe changes backstage exceptionally difficult.
“I had dysmenorrhea today. It was hard to change from swimsuit to the production number and our gowns. I do get cramps, but adrenaline took over,” she recalled.
The newly crowned titleholder added that the grueling experience only reflected the true resilience of women.
“Whenever I have pageants, they say it's a lucky charm if I have dysmenorrhea. But it is also a testament to the strength of women — we have a lot of things going on and silent battles, but we are standing strong,” she reasoned.
Soriano will compete for the prestigious Miss International crown next year.
“Today is the start and the beginning of the preparations for the upcoming pageant,” she said.
The winning beauties of Binibining Pilipinas 2026. ABS-CBN News
Meanwhile, Sasha-Juli Belle Lacuna of Tarlac was crowned Miss Globe Philippines 2026. Dumaguete City’s Julianne Raine Antonio and Bacolod City’s Tracy Mae Sunio finished as first and second runners-up, respectively.