Cebuana queens Apriel Smith and Nicole Borromeo answer questions from members of the media during their homecoming celebration at SM Seaside City Cebu on Friday, May 22. | Mary Grace Mancao/ CDN Digital
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Cebuana beauty queens Apriel Smith and Nicole Borromeo received a warm homecoming welcome on Friday, May 22.
Avid supporters of the two beauty queens gathered at SM Seaside City Cebu to celebrate their achievements in the recent Miss Universe Philippines 2026 and their upcoming international pageant journeys.
Smith, who represented Cebu City, was crowned Miss Charm Philippines 2026 during The Miss Philippines 2026 Coronation Ball on May 10, while Borromeo of Cebu Province made history as the first-ever Miss Worldwide Philippines 2026 titleholder. Both queens also finished in the Top 7 of Miss Universe Philippines 2026.
READ: Apriel Smith: Embracing her journey as a black-skinned Cebuana Queen
Earlier on Friday, the two queens joined a motorcade that passed through key areas in Cebu, beginning at the Cebu Provincial Capitol and ending at Cebu City Hall before proceeding to the main homecoming program at SM Seaside.
Celebration and crowd interaction
During the event, organizers and guests recognized Smith and Borromeo for representing Cebu on the national stage and for earning opportunities to compete internationally.
In their speeches, the queens thanked their families, mentors, glam teams, and Cebuano supporters who stood by them throughout their pageant journeys. They also expressed gratitude for the warm reception from the public following their victories.
The program featured interactive activities with the audience, including a trivia segment where attendees answered questions related to the queens’ pageant experiences and personal journeys. Winners received prizes from the organizers and were given the opportunity to take photos with Smith and Borromeo.
READ: MUPH Cebu director: Apriel Smith, Nicole Borromeo ‘fit’ their new titles
The celebration also featured a TikTok dance challenge with Smith and Borromeo using the popular song “Hawak Mo Ang Beat,” as audience members competed on stage in an elimination-style contest that drew cheers from supporters.
As the celebration concluded, Smith and Borromeo joined supporters for a group photo session and spent time interacting with attendees.
Queens reflect on pageant journeys
Following the program, the queens faced members of the media, where they reflected on their pageant experiences, sacrifices, and preparations for their international competitions.
Smith, who will represent the Philippines at Miss Charm 2026 in Vietnam, expressed confidence in bringing home the country’s first Miss Charm crown.
“So that we can claim the first Philippines’ Miss Charm,” she said.
When asked whether the Philippines had previously won the international title, Smith responded, “Wala pa… I’m gonna be the first… we’re gonna be the first one. Claiming it!”
(“There has never been a Miss Charm winner from the Philippines. I’m going to be the first—we’re going to be the first one. Claiming it!”)
She added that she continues to trust the direction of her journey.
“Everything happens for a reason… being Miss Charm Philippines is a blessing,” Smith said.
READ: Cebuanos react to Apriel Smith and Nicole Borromeo’s Miss PH titles: ‘Robbed’
Borromeo, meanwhile, said she initially had questions about her Miss Worldwide Philippines title before eventually embracing its opportunities.
“Their goal is actually to combine theater with pageantry,” she explained, noting that the platform would allow her to engage in international workshops, performances, and cultural exchanges.
“This is gonna be one crazy ride,” she added.
The Miss Worldwide venue will follow the the international tour format.
Sacrifices behind the crowns
Reflecting on her Miss Universe Philippines journey, Borromeo said she ultimately gained more than just a title.
“Of course when you join, you think, ‘I want to be your next Miss Universe,’ but at the end of the day, you walk away a better version of yourself with amazing connections and friends,” she said.
She also spoke about moments of doubt during the competition.
“Whenever I feel doubt, I reflect on one of my favorite verses… ‘God’s plans are greater than what we can ever ask, dream or imagine,’” Borromeo said.
On the sacrifices behind their pageant journeys, Smith shared how she balanced work abroad with competition preparations.
READ: MUPH 2026 Bea Millan-Windorski is a pageant ‘unicorn,’ says US director
“There was a time I was flying in and out of Singapore and Manila just to work and attend Miss Universe Philippines activities on my off days,” she said. “It was not easy, but I am grateful to my employers for supporting me.”
Borromeo, meanwhile, reflected on the importance of surrounding herself with people who support her ambitions.
“You surround yourself with people who see the future as bright as you do instead of convincing them why it is a dream to begin with,” she said.
The homecoming celebration for the Cebuana beauty queens served as both a recognition of the queens’ achievements and a show of support from Cebuanos as Smith and Borromeo prepare to represent the Philippines on the international pageant stage.