Anilao’s Espinosa crowned Miss Iloilo 2026

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Anilao’s Zestah Shalom Espinosa was crowned Miss Iloilo 2026 after outshining 11 other candidates during the coronation night that celebrated Ilongga beauty, strength, and identity on Jan. 17.

The 21-year-old architecture student secured the crown with a heartfelt final answer that drew applause from the audience.

During the final interview, Espinosa was asked how she would convince society that an Ilongga is “beyond excellent” even without external validation such as titles or awards.

“She is already beyond excellent because she is an Ilongga—an Ilongga with a heartfelt beauty, not just seen, but felt,” she said.

“An Ilongga with quiet strength, with her people, her story, her identity,” she added.

“I don’t need to convince the world anymore because as an Ilongga, she is already a standard,” Espinosa said.

Beyond her eloquence, Espinosa dominated several competition segments after winning Best in Gown, Best in Swimsuit, and Best in Introduction Video.

Espinosa credited her journey to the unwavering support of her family, particularly her mother, an overseas Filipino worker, and her grandparents.

“They are the backbone of who I am today,” she said.

“We are thankful to the whole of Iloilo for supporting us and giving us a platform where we can fight for our advocacies, share our stories, and show who we are,” Espinosa added.

The coronation night also named the “Heartfelt Queens” of Miss Iloilo 2026: Patricia Lynn Beerda of La Paz district, Lorraine Manguiat of Tubungan, Angel Ann Teruel of Pototan, and Jessica Mae Gatungay of Guimbal.

Beerda, considered a frontrunner for the crown, received multiple honors, including Best in Advocacy and Tourism Video, Best in Closed-Door Interview, Best in Runway Model, and Best in Costume Competition.

Best in Costume Competition awards were also given to Teruel, Gatungay, Kryshia Danica Ferguson of Badiangan, and Wayncy Nagpaton of Miagao East.

The Miss Iloilo organization has yet to announce which titleholders will represent Iloilo City in national pageants.

Since its relaunch in 2020, the Miss Iloilo pageant has sent representatives to major national competitions, including Binibining Pilipinas, Miss Universe Philippines, Miss Aliwan Fiesta, Miss World Philippines, and Miss Earth Philippines.

Notable titleholders from the pageant include Miss Eco International 2025 Alexie Brooks and Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo.