Arnold Vegafria talks of 'loyalty, respect' at ALV Pageant Circle Coronation Gala

Queenmaker Arnold Vegafria, national director of the Miss World Philippines pageant and president of ALV Pageant Circle, imparted a message on loyalty, respect, and family when he presented a new set of queens for 2026 international competition.

The talent manager, entrepreneur, and one of the most prolific pageant national directors in the country awarded national titles at the ALV Pageant Circle Coronation Gala at Seda Vertis North in Quezon City on Saturday afternoon, June 20.

“In all my years of mentoring my queens, I have asked for nothing in return. All I ask for is a little respect and courtesy,” Vegafria said when he addressed guests.

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Six crowns were awarded during the first leg of the program, and the roster of 2026 queens is composed of a seasoned international contender, national pageant veterans, and a show biz denizen.

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Actress-singer and pageant newbie Erika Davis was crowned Miss Glamour Look Philippines, while Miss Grand Philippines runner-up Marga Briton was Miss Interglobal Philippines. Former Miss Teen International Philippines Olivia Grace Reilly was proclaimed as the new Face of Beauty Philippines.

Miss World Philippines 2024 Second Princess and erstwhile Universal Woman Philippines Sophia Bianca Santos officially received the Miss Elite Philippines title, while Miss World Philippines 2026 Second Princess Gabrielle Galapia was crowned Miss Asia Pacific International Philippines.

Pageant veteran Michelle Arceo, a runner-up in the 2021 Miss Environment International and 2024 Reina Hispanoamericana pageants, has given up the Miss Tourism World Philippines title that she won at the 2025 Miss Grand Philippines pageant to receive her new designation as Miss Tourism International Philippines.

“We are more than just a pageant organization, we are a family—a sisterhood bound by loyalty and mutual support; a sisterhood that has no room for ego or selfishness,” Vegafria said.

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He explained that he mounted a scaled-down coronation gala to award new titles in lieu of a grand ceremony because he needed to proclaim delegates to several international competitions but had no remaining platform to do so.

Vegafria had previously bestowed additional titles at his staging of the Miss Grand Philippines pageants in 2023, 2024, and 2025. Several titles had already been awarded at the 2026 Miss World Philippines contest, but other national crowns were still looking for their rightful queens.

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Earlier this year, Miss Grand International Pres. Nawat Itsaragrisil announced that Vegafria no longer holds the Philippine franchise. In June, her flew to Manila with MGI All Stars winner Vanessa Pulgarin for the launch of Reina Filipinas, a new national pageant for the Philippines’ Miss Grand International delegate.

Reigning Miss Grand International Emma Tiglao was announced as Reina Filipinas national director, while international pageant shoe designer Jojo Bragais was introduced as the organization’s president. Nawat is also part of the national pageant as executive partner.

“Ambition is always a good thing, but too much ambition can also be dangerous, especially for people who forget to acknowledge their humble beginnings and who let success get into their heads,” Vegafria said in his speech.

He went on to wish his new queens success on their respective international competitions, with the reminder to remain grounded and humble.

“I have always believed that our modern-day [Filipino] queens are destined for greater success–during their reigns, and even long after they’ve relinquished their crowns,” Vegafria said.

He also thanked the international pageant organizations who are partnering with ALV Pageant Circle, and welcomed Miss Global organizer Piyaporn Sankosik and reigning Miss Global Nguyen Dinh Nhu Var in the second part of the program.

“Their organization is rooted in their core mission of empowering women, embracing cultures, and embodying the beauty within,” Vegafria said. Piyaporn’s TPN Global was the former Miss Universe licensee for Thailand before Nawat took over the franchise last year.

Piyaporn and Nguyen flew to Manila to witness the coronation of Jayvee Lyn Lorejo as the new Miss Global Philippines. The Davaoña flight attendant was previously crowned as Miss Tourism International Philippines.

“We can only hope and pray that this partnership thrives and flourishes within the next few years, and that Filipino pageant fans embrace the brand with just as much love and respect,” Vegafria said.

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He also hinted at a big pageant event for ALV Pageant Circle in January next year, where he will award national titles at a competition that will take place at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. /edv