Binibining Pilipinas 2026: Baguio City's Gwendoline Meliz Frias Soriano wins best in swimsuit, evening gown

Baguio City's Gwendoline Meliz Frias Soriano is on a roll!

During the Binibining Pilipinas 2026 coronation night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, the beauty queen was named Best in Swimsuit and Best in Evening Gown, in addition to Binibining Philippine Airlines and Binibining Urban Smiles.

The pageant also introduced a new special award this year, Binibining Tourism, with Pauline Thea Ann Ibuyan of Aklan becoming its inaugural recipient.

Meanwhile, Samantha Marie Zabarte of Dasmariñas, Cavite was named Manila Bulletin Reader's Choice, while Jarina Kumari Sandhu of Cauayan City, Isabela took home the Binibining MedClub award.

The organization also revealed the Top 5 candidates in the Best in National Costume competition that was held on July 2. The winners were based on the combined votes of the judges and Facebook shares.

The finalists are:

• Mylene Bataclan Manschus (Tanza, Cavite)
• Ain Niqyla Saladaga Abad (San Jose, Occidental Mindoro)
• Samantha Marie Zabarte (Dasmariñas, Cavite)
• Iris I. Oresca (Bicol Region)
• Patricia Lynn Beerda (Iloilo)

The coronation night is currently being held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum with 35 candidates competing for the prestigious crowns.

Last year, Katrina Anne Johnson of Davao Province was named Binibining Pilipinas International 2025, while Annabelle Mae McDonnell of Iligan City was hailed as the Binibining Pilipinas Globe.

Dalia Varde Khattab of Las Piñas is the first runner-up and Kathleen Enid Espenido of Siargao is the second runner-up.

Ahead of the coronation night, the candidates greeted fans and spectators during the pageant’s annual Parade of Beauties. —JCB, GMA News