Cebu’s legacy of producing strong, accomplished beauty queens continues as Nicole Borromeo and Apriel Smith step forward to represent the province and city at Miss Universe Philippines 2026.
With their extensive pageant experience, both Borromeo and Smith are seasoned and ready to bring pride to Cebu on the national stage.
Despite the cancellation of a local pageant this year, Irma Payod-Bitzer, the local pageant director, chose the two veteran queens to carry the torch for Cebu.
Borromeo will represent Cebu Province, while Smith will represent Cebu City.
Their selection underscores their deep connection to Cebu and their proven track record in the pageant world.
Borromeo is no stranger to the national and international spotlight.
She first gained recognition when she won Binibining Pilipinas International 2022, which led her to represent the Philippines at Miss International 2023 in Tokyo, where she placed third runner-up.
Her past accomplishments also include winning titles such as Miss Silka Cebu 2017, Sinulog Festival Queen 2019, and Miss Millennial Philippines 2019.
With years of experience in high-level pageants, Borromeo’s poise and advocacy-driven approach make her a formidable contender at Miss Universe Philippines 2026.
Smith, on the other hand, has built a reputation as one of Cebu’s most accomplished pageant queens.
As the first-ever Binibining Cebu in 2017, Smith has a rich history in the pageant scene, including a Top 16 finish at Miss Universe Philippines 2020 and a Top 15 placement at Binibining Pilipinas 2016.
Her other titles include Sinulog Festival Queen 2012 and Miss Dumanjug, among others.
With years of experience representing Cebu, Smith’s advocacy work and her deep connection to the community make her a true ambassador for the city.
Both queens were officially presented during a sashing ceremony on February 1, 2026, at Nustar Resort and Casino, where they were crowned by the previous year’s winner, Gabbi Carballo.
Carballo herself is a seasoned competitor, having placed in the Top 6 at Miss Universe Philippines 2025 and later being appointed Miss Eco International Philippines.
She will soon represent the Philippines at the Miss Eco International competition in Egypt.
During the ceremony, both Borromeo and Smith shared their personal journeys and the causes they are passionate about.
Smith, who has spent time working abroad, reflected on how her experience as an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) helped her grow and become more grounded.
“The pandemic gave me the time to reflect and learn about myself,” she shared.
Smith, a former varsity volleyball player, also emphasized how sports played a key role in shaping her confidence and overcoming challenges like bullying.
Her advocacy focuses on promoting sports as a means of building teamwork, confidence, and self-worth.
Borromeo, who has long been involved in volunteer work, is using her platform to raise awareness about mental health.
After facing her own struggles, she now advocates for art therapy as a powerful tool for healing.
“I hit rock bottom not too long ago, but I was fortunate to have people around me who helped me express myself. Art helped me find my voice,” Borromeo shared.
She is also working with soldiers who have experienced trauma, using art as a means of therapy and recovery.
The two queens were also recognized with special awards from sponsors during the ceremony.
Smith was named Miss KBDF, Miss Skin 911 Premiere, and Miss Goodluck Hot Pot, while Borromeo earned Miss Winzen Cafe, Miss Gandang Myra E, and Miss Rose Pharmacy, further highlighting the community support behind them.
Irma Payod-Bitzer, the local director, welcomed the queens into the Cebu pageant “family,” emphasizing that they are not competitors but partners, each bringing their own unique experiences and strengths to their respective roles.
“These queens represent Cebu with resilience, grace, and purpose,” she said.
Cebu has consistently produced exceptional queens who have made their mark at Miss Universe Philippines.
Beatrice Luigi Gomez, who placed in the Top 5 at Miss Universe 2021, and Gazini Ganados, who won Best in National Costume at Miss Universe 2019, are just a few examples of the caliber of beauty queens Cebu continues to produce.
The reigning Miss Universe Philippines, Ahtisa Manalo, placed third runner-up at Miss Universe 2025.
