Aklan's bet wins big at Binibining Pilipinas 2026 national costume competition

Pauline Thea Ann Ibuyan waved Aklan’s flag so valiantly at the 2026 Binibining Pilipinas national costume competition by being the first-ever recipient of the “Binibining Tourism” award.

She received the citation for having the best and most engaging tourism video among all the 35 delegates of this year’s competition. All of their videos were screened at the event held in Quezon City on July 2.

Ibuyan showcased Aklan as a relaxing destination filled with rich heritage and abundant in natural resources. Her soothing voice brought viewers with her on a virtual tour of the island.

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The tourism videos were judged on the following set of criteria — originality (50 percent), creativity (30 percent) and visual presentation (20 percent).

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For being Binibining Tourism 2026, Ibuyan takes home two large suitcases from Sky Travel Luggage, P25,000 worth of gift certificate from Gold’s Gym, P25,000 worth of products from My Daily Collagen and My Saiko Skin, P25,000 worth of dental services from Urban Smiles, and P50,000 cash from Nustar Online.

The national pageant has been showcasing the Philippines’ rich heritage and vibrant culture through the video presentations of the delegates representing different towns, cities and provinces. But this is the first time that a Binibining Tourism award was bestowed to the candidate with the best and most engaging video.

Ibuyan was also one of the 10 ladies who topped the national costume competition, who will all vie for the coveted Best in National Costume award that will be handed out at the finals.

Here is the complete list of the Top 10 finalists at the National Costume Competition in the order they were announced:

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– Ilolo, Patricia Lynn Beerda– San Jose, Occcidental Mindoro, Ain Niqyla Abad– Pampanga, Anne Klein Castro– Cavite Province, Kaye Pastelero– Tanza, Cavite, Mylene Manschus– Caluya, Antique, Britney Angel Rubino– Tarlac Province, Sasha Lacuna– Bicol Region, Iris Oresca– Dasmariñas, Cavite, Samantha Marie Zabarte– Aklan, Pauline Thea Ann Ibuyan

The event also served as a fundraiser for relief efforts in areas affected by the Sarangani earthquake last month, with proceeds going to the Philippine Red Cross. Nustar Online has already made an initial donation worth P1 million.

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The winner of the Best in National Costume award will be revealed at the 2026 Bb. Pilipinas Grand Coronation Night happening at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on July 18.

But before that, the ladies will take part in the “Grand Parade of Beauties” at the Araneta City grounds in Quezon City on July 11, at 4 p.m. /ra

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