Viral 'Queen of the Islands' pageant revealed as GMA Pictures' new movie 'Red Crown'

August 28 2026

By JANSEN RAMOS

The viral 'Queen of the Islands' pageant is not what it seemed.

GMA Pictures revealed on Friday, August 28, that the much-talked-about pageant is actually part of the promotional campaign for its upcoming satirical comedy film, Red Crown.

The fictional pageant gained attention online in recent weeks following the release of candidate posters, pasarela videos, behind-the-scenes clips, and details about its supposed record-breaking cash prize of Php 25 million. The campaign also drew pageant fans who openly picked their favorites and speculated about the competition.

Now, the mystery behind 'Queen of the Islands' has been unveiled: it serves as a major promotional element for Red Crown, a comedy that takes viewers into the competitive and often dramatic world of pageantry.

Directed by Dominic Zapata and written by Kit Villanueva and Ken de Leon, the film explores the rivalries, personalities, and drama behind the gowns, glamour, and performances on the pageant stage.

Red Crown features an ensemble cast of real-life pageant queens and Sparkle stars: Yana Aduana, Alethea Ambrosio, Ara Arida, Herlene Budol, Skye Chua, Faith da Silva, Michelle Marquez Dee, Haley Dizon, MJ Encabo, Shuvee Etrata, Gazini Ganados, Rein Hillary, Maika Kemmochi, MJ Lastimosa, Aira Lopez, Sanya Lopez, Ahtisa Manalo, AZ Martinez, Ashley Ortega, Vanessa Peña, Sandy Riccio, Jade Tecson, Tarah Valencia, Yna Angela Uy, and Yza Thalia Uy.

The film’s promotional campaign began with the launch of official 'Queen of the Islands' social media accounts, followed by candidate reveals, pageant posters, rehearsal videos, a list of sponsors, and a pageant presentation attended by members of the pageant press and content creators.

GMA Pictures said in a press release that more cast members and details about the film will be revealed soon.

Red Crown opens in cinemas nationwide this October.