Asia Rose Simpson dazzles with 'Pandanggo sa Ilaw' on Miss World 2026

Asia Rose Simpson is bringing her A-game not only by representing the Philippines on the Miss World 2026 stage, but also by showcasing the beauty of Filipino culture.

For Asia’s Dances of the World presentation, the Philippine bet introduced “Pandanggo sa Ilaw” to the pageant stage and danced gracefully while clad in a traditional outfit worn for the Filipino folk dance.

Earlier, Asia was named Beauty with a Purpose finalist in Asia and Oceania.

She previously secured a Top 40 spot after winning the Asia & Oceania Head-to-Head Challenge, where she highlighted the importance of sports and dance.

She also made it to the Top 3 in the pageant's talent competition.

Asia is vying for the Philippines' second Miss World crown after Megan Young's win in 2013.

Earlier, she ranked no. 2 in Missosology's first Miss World 2026 Hot Picks, with Brazil's Gabriela Botelho taking the top spot.

The coronation night will be held on September 5 in Vietnam, where Opal Suchata Chuangsri of Thailand will pass her crown to the next queen. —Hermes Joy Tunac/JCB, GMA News