Miss Universe Philippines 2026 Bea Millan-Windorski (center) and her fellow ‘Faces of Mags’ (from left) Roxie Beayens, Nicole Borromeo, Jacqueline Gulrajani, and Alex Comenares/ARMIN P. ADINA
Mother’s Day happens once a year, and it is celebrated every second Sunday of May. It should not be that much of a problem to plan something for the family matriarch for most of us. But for the 2026 Miss Universe Philippines queens, it would not be that easy.
On Sunday, May 10, recently-crowned queen Bea Millan-Windorski is set to have her victory press conference, while the rest of her fellow finalists will receive their respective titles under the sister brand The Miss Philippines.
Some may find this as a bit of an inconvenience, but for the queens themselves, it only gives them the opportunity to further honor the women in their lives who made their journey to the crowns possible.
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“I’m really hoping mom is able to rebook her flight. Of course we weren’t expecting this twist of event, so she was gonna go back to the US for my brother’s graduation,” Windorski told Inquirer Entertainment.
The La Union lass spoke with members of the media on May 6 at Gloria Maris Mall of Asia in Pasay City where she received her prize as one of the “Faces of Mags” together with Nicole Borromeo, Roxie Baeyens, Jacqueline Gulrajani, and Alex Colmenares. Beayens was also there as one of the Queens of Pablo, along with Ysabella Ysmael, Adela-Mae Marshall, and Apriel Smith.
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“Fingers crossed that she’s able to rebook with EVA because it would mean the world to me if I could spend Mother’s Day while celebrating this victory but also with my mom,” Windorski said.
As for Borromeo, she will have to wait a bit to celebrate with her mother Joanne, who had already flown back home to Cebu after the May 2 coronation show of the Miss Universe Philippines pageant.
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“For sure there will be a celebration. I’m just thankful to God that my mom got the chance to fly in. We got the chance to have some time together, we had lunch. I have yet to surprise her,” she said.
Smith’s family had also flown back to Cebu, and she shared how bereft of time she was. As an overseas Filipino worker, she flew straight to Manila from Singapore in February when the competition started.
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“I was so very happy because my mom did finish the show. Before, when I joined pageants, if it’s QNA time she would go out and take time to go anywhere just not to hear my QNA. So right now I’m so happy. She’s been there from the start until finish,” she shared.
Miss Universe Philippines 2026 ‘Queens of Pablo’ (from left) Apriel Smith, Adela-Mae Marshall, Ysabella Ysmael, and Roxie Baeyens/ARMIN P. ADINA
But while the Cebuana beauties had their moms fly a few hours to catch the show, Beayen’s mother Julia got to have a longer trip coming from overseas.
“Miss Universe Philippines became a path for me to spend time with my mom. [Because] it feels like a big celebration, she traveled far, so I’m so grateful for that. She’s turning 70 years old this year, [so] I just want to make the most out of the time I have with her before she returns abroad,” Beayens said.
Currently staying at her place, her mom even ironed the dress she wore that day. “She’s a super mom, she still has the strength. So thank you, even if sometimes you get tired, you never show it, and you always show up for me,” she continued.
Alex Colmenares’ mom Katherine had already passed, but she said Mother’s Day will definitely be different for her this year. “My mom’s in heaven na, and being part of Miss Universe Philippines was one of her biggest dreams for me, ever since I was young,” she said.
The Negrense beauty also imparted her message to all the mothers: “Thank you so much for bringing us to this world, for your strength, for all your sacrifices, for the love. And wala talagang makakapantay sa pagmamahal ng isang ina (Nothing comes close to a mother’s love). So I salute all the mothers out there.”
Ysabella Ysmael also gave a shout out to her “number 1 supporter,” her mother Marita. “Mothers really give us everything, their everything, especially my mom. She’s really been my inspiration all my life,” she said.
“I told you this already, but I aspire to be at least half of the woman you are. Thank you for raising me to be the strong woman that I am. You are my everything. I love you,” she added.
Marshall, an only child, got emotional when she spoke about her mother Esperanza. “I just want to celebrate with her and thank her for her support and her sacrifice in this journey. To my mom, I just thank you so much. Only we know the sacrifice we made, and it means so much to me. I love you,” she said, trying to fight back her tears.
Gulrajani, for her part, said every day is Mother’s Day for her. “I always think of my mom. If anything, that’s one of the reasons why I joined Miss Universe Philippines. In a way it’s more special (this year). In a way I feel like I have done somethign extra special, the extra mile, and going really further in achiving my dream. And I’m very happy about that,” she said.
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Windorski also thanked her “Nanay” Antoinette, and imparted her message to all the mothers. “Thank you so much for your hard work, for your belief in your children that we could build a better world. And I’m so excited that we get to celebrate all mothers all around the world,” she said. /edv