Reina Filipinas pageant nets another heavy hitter in Angelica Lopez

The inaugural staging of the Reina Filipinas pageant is getting more exciting with another seasoned contender confirmed to take part in the contest’s first edition this year — Angelica Lopez.

Her participation was revealed through posts on the pageant’s social media pages on Thursday evening, July 9, which presented her as the official delegate of the province of Palawan.

Lopez will now join 2025 Miss Eco International Alexie Brooks from Iloilo in the first-ever edtion of the Reina Filipinas pageant, where the Philippines’ delegate to the 2026 Miss Grand International pageant will be chosen.

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Two more winners will be chosen and will be sent to the second edition of MGI All Stars. Veterans of international pageants, including married women, mothers and transgender women, will fight for the two additional crowns.

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Like Brooks, the Palaweña also qualifies for any of the crowns at stake in the Reina Filipinas. Aside from meeting the eligibiltiy requirements for Miss Grand International, Lopez also has two international competitions under her belt.

Lopez was crowned Binibining Pilipinas International in 2023 and took part at the 2024 Miss International pageant in Japan. She was also first runner-up at the 2022 Miss Asia Global contest and a semifinalist at the 2022 Miss Universe Philippines pageant.

Fans have been anticipating her return to the national pageant scene, particularly in the search for the Philippines’ delegate to the Miss Grand International pageant.

Lopez is known for her vibrant presence on stage and dynamic “pasarela” (pageant walk) routines which many pageant observers associate with the Bangkok-based international pageant.

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The pioneer batch of Reina Filipinas candidates will be presented on Monday, July 13, in Cavite.

Also confirmed to take part in the national pageant are two queens from “It’s Showtime,” 2022 “Miss Q&A Queen of the Multibeks” winner Anne Patricia Lorenzo and “Sexy Babe” winner of 2025 Zeah Nestle Pala.

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Lorenzo was also crowned Miss International Queen Philippines last year and placed in the Top 6 of the Miss International Queen pageant in Thailand. Pala topped the Miss Bikini Philippines competition in 2022.

Joining them are Kristen Marcelino and Scarlett Anne De Mesa who just competed at the 2026 Miss Universe Philippines pageant in May. De Mesa has her sights on MGI All Stars. The wife and mother competed at the 2025 Top Model of the World contest where she was proclaimed Miss Globe.

Reigning Miss Grand International Emma Tiglao is Reina Filipinas pageant’s national director, while Jojo Bragais is the organization’s president. Miss Grand International President Nawat Itsaragrisil is the national pageant’s executive partner.

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The 2026 Reina Filipinas pageant’s final competition will take place at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Newport World Resorts in Pasay City on Aug. 7. /ra