Binibining Pilipinas 2026: Risa Hontiveros, Gloria Diaz, and more join the panel of judges

The panel of judges for this year's Binibining Pilipinas is stacked!

Leading the panelist is Senator Risa Hontiveros who serves as the chairman of the board of judges.

Joining Hontiveros is Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz, the first Filipina to win the prestigious international crown.

The distinguished panel also includes reigning Miss International 2025 Catalina Duque, Miss International 2005 Precious Lara Quigaman, and Miss Globe 2025 winner Cheraim Chayathanus Saradatta.

Actress Janine Gutierrez, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez, and Erika Lipton, wife of U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton, are also part of the panel of judges.

Completing the board are Filipino-Australian chef Oliver Buenviaje, professional basketball player Scottie Thompson, and acclaimed fashion designer Paul Cabral.

Meanwhile, the coronation night is hosted by a roster of accomplished beauty queens who have proudly represented the Binibining Pilipinas franchise on the international stage: Binibining Pilipinas Universe 2014 MJ Lastimosa, Miss Universe 1999 first runner-up Miriam Quiambao, Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, and Miss Grand International 2016 first runner-up Nicole Cordoves.

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