Cebu's Pageant Royalty Returns with Renewed Purpose for Miss Universe Philippines 2026
The vibrant province of Cebu once again takes center stage in the national beauty pageant landscape as two accomplished queens make their triumphant return to the Miss Universe Philippines competition. During a significant sashing and media presentation event held at a prominent Cebu hotel and resort on February 1, 2026, the Miss Universe Philippines Cebu Organization officially announced its distinguished representatives for the upcoming national competition.
Official Appointments and Community Anticipation
The organization formally designated Nicole Yance Borromeo as the official representative for Cebu Province and Apriel Smith as the representative for Cebu City. Their selection did not come as a surprise to local residents and pageant enthusiasts who have followed their careers closely. Both women have demonstrated deep connections to Cebu through their personal journeys and professional accomplishments within the pageant world.
Apriel Smith's Journey of Self-Discovery and Return
For Apriel Smith, her decision to return to competitive pageantry followed years of personal growth and international experience. Having worked as an overseas Filipino worker in Singapore for nearly three years, she gained valuable perspective through cultural exposure and professional development. "Working abroad isn't easy. As an independent woman, you have to be strong," she reflected during the media presentation.
Her return marks six years since her last major pageant appearance, which coincided with the challenging pandemic period. Apriel previously represented Cebu at Binibining Pilipinas 2016, won the inaugural Binibining Cebu title in 2017, and achieved a Top 16 placement in Miss Universe Philippines 2020. This time, she approaches the competition with renewed clarity and purpose.
"I thought about my younger self — the little Apriel who dreamed of becoming a beauty queen," she shared. "I realized I wanted to do this not just for a title, but to honor how far I've come."
Her advocacy focuses on sports empowerment, shaped by her experiences at Abellana National School where she found confidence through volleyball after facing bullying. "No matter what people see or say, don't let them bring you down," she emphasized. "Stand up for yourself. When you know your self-worth, no one can take it away from you."
Nicole Borromeo's Evolution and Artistic Advocacy
Nicole Borromeo brings impressive international credentials to her return, having been crowned Binibining Pilipinas 2022 winner and achieving third runner-up placement at Miss International 2023. However, she identifies her greatest strength not in her accolades but in her personal transformation.
"My real edge is my ability to encourage people," she explained. "To make them feel seen, heard and safe." She openly discussed her previous struggles with insecurity during competitions, noting that "growth doesn't have to come from self-criticism. It can come from love."
Following a challenging personal period she describes as her "rock bottom," Nicole discovered healing through artistic expression. This journey now informs her advocacy for art therapy, particularly focusing on soldiers experiencing trauma and PTSD. "You're not defined by your pain or your insecurities," she stated. "The world is just waiting for you to come alive."
Community Support and United Preparation
The Cebu pageant community has demonstrated remarkable unity in supporting both candidates. According to MUPH Cebu local director Irma Payod-Bitzer and creative director Danny Booc, preparation has become a collaborative community effort.
"Designers, makeup artists, creatives — everyone guided one another and volunteered to help," Booc revealed. "Cebu is very united when it comes to support."
The selection process prioritized candidates with authentic Cebuano roots. "We wanted women who are truly rooted here," explained Payod-Bitzer. "Apriel is the first-ever Bb. Cebu titleholder in 2016 and Nicole was Sinulog Festival Queen in 2019. They're not just residents of Cebu but someone that can represent them with a heart."
Holistic Preparation and Personal Philosophy
Both queens approach their preparation with comprehensive strategies that extend beyond physical training. Apriel emphasized her holistic approach: "It's not just physical. It's emotional, mental and financial. I'm honoring my pace — choosing clarity over pressure, respecting my body instead of pushing it to extremes."
Nicole expressed similar sentiments about her current journey, noting the special significance of succeeding Gabriella Mai Carballo, the MUPH Cebu 2025 winner. "The first person who knew I was joining was Gabbi. It felt full circle — we go way back," she shared. "Being able to succeed her, to represent the province alongside Apriel, feels incredibly special."
Vision for the Miss Universe Philippines Crown
When asked about her qualifications for the national crown, Nicole responded with heartfelt conviction. "I believe everyone has a spiritual gift — a superpower. Mine is encouragement. I want to be a safe space," she stated. "When people feel safe, they bring out their best."
Apriel grounded her answer in her personal philosophy of perseverance. "I'm not just representing a destination — I'm representing a journey," she declared. "My word is 'padayon' — to keep going, even when the path is uncertain." She views the Miss Universe Philippines stage as a platform for demonstrating "humility, growth and quiet strength."
The sashing ceremony also featured appearances by current titleholders including MUPH Cebu 2025 Gabriella Mai Carballo and MUPH Cebu Tourism 2025 Chella Grace Falconer, along with other notable pageant figures from the region. This gathering symbolized the continuity and strong community bonds within Cebu's pageant ecosystem as these two accomplished women prepare to represent their homeland on the national stage.
