From almosts and misses to finally winning: Katrina Llegado's journey to the Miss Supranational crown

Katrina Llegado is living proof that you should never give up on your dream!

The Filipina beauty queen just became the second Filipina to win the Miss Supranational crown, capturing the title during the pageant's coronation night in Poland — 13 years after Mutya Datul's victory in 2013.

Her triumph, however, was years in the making, as she competed in several pageants before finally finding her place on the Miss Supranational stage.

Miss World Philippines 2019

Katrina joined her national pageant journey in 2019 when she represented Taguig at Miss World Philippines, her first major beauty competition.

She quickly emerged as one of the standout candidates, winning three special awards, including Miss Photogenic and Best in Evening Gown.

Although she fell short of the Miss World Philippines title, she was crowned Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas 2019, while Alyssa Muhlach won the Miss World Philippines crown.

Reina Hispanoamericana 2020

Representing the Philippines on the international stage, Katrina competed at Reina Hispanoamericana 2020 in Bolivia, where she placed fifth runner-up.

Miss Universe Philippines 2022

In 2022, Katrina returned to the pageant stage as Taguig's representative at Miss Universe Philippines.

Considered one of the strongest contenders throughout the competition, she ultimately finished as second runner-up, with Celeste Cortesi winning the national title.

Miss Universe Philippines 2025

Three years later, Katrina made a comeback at Miss Universe Philippines, once again representing Taguig.

She advanced to the semifinals and eventually reached the final round, where she finished in the Top 6.

Although she narrowly missed the Miss Universe Philippines crown, she earned the title of Miss Philippines Supranational 2026, securing another opportunity to compete internationally.

Miss Supranational 2026

Katrina proved to be a standout competitor throughout Miss Supranational 2026, impressing judges with her elegance, confidence, and consistency.

During the final question-and-answer round, she was asked: "Please tell us the moment you stopped trying to become the woman the world expected and started becoming the woman you're really meant to be."

"I always believe that we should never fit into a mold. We are perfectly imperfect. I am someone who struggles with perfection, but I'm here today doing my best and becoming the best version of myself. And here in Miss Supranational, I know there is a place for me, and this is becoming Supra—above and beyond," she answered.

Her heartfelt response, combined with her commanding stage presence and polished performance throughout the competition, resonated with both the judges and pageant fans.

After years of coming close, Katrina finally achieved the dream she had long worked for, bringing home the Philippines' second Miss Supranational crown and proving that persistence, resilience, and self-belief can ultimately lead to victory. —JCB, GMA News