“The Philippines Meets Hollywood” brings together Filipino culture, Old Hollywood glamour, music, fashion, and a new generation of titleholders
GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA — August 9, 2026 — It was truly an event to be remembered as the 15th Annual Miss Philippines USA Coronation Night took center stage at the historic Alex Theatre in Glendale, California.
Celebrating 15 years of Filipino-American beauty, talent, culture, and pride, this year’s production was one of the most spectacular in the pageant’s history. With the theme “The Philippines Meets Hollywood,” the evening brought together the elegance and nostalgia of Old Hollywood, the excitement of modern entertainment, and the rich traditions of the Philippines.
The six-hour anniversary celebration was designed as a full evening of pageantry and entertainment, giving the candidates, performers, special guests, judges, sponsors, and partners their moments in the spotlight.
THE VISION BEHIND MISS PHILIPPINES USA
The event is produced by fashion designer Lou Razon, Founder, Executive Producer, and Creative Director of Miss Philippines USA. Razon launched the pageant in 2012 at the Marriott Burbank with a creative vision of promoting the beauty and culture of the Philippines through fashion, pageantry, entertainment, and the arts.
What began as a vision to showcase Philippine culture through fashion has grown into an annual Filipino-American celebration and a platform for generations of candidates to embrace their heritage, develop their confidence, showcase their talents, and proudly represent the Filipino-American community.
Under Razon’s creative direction, fashion has remained an integral part of the Miss Philippines USA experience. From Filipiniana and traditional Filipino attire to contemporary runway fashion and glamorous evening wear, each production uses fashion and entertainment as a visual celebration of the Philippines while connecting Filipino heritage with the Filipino-American experience.
The 15th anniversary theme, “The Philippines Meets Hollywood,” continued that original vision—bringing the Philippines to a historic Southern California stage through culture, fashion, music, pageantry, and entertainment.
A STAR-STUDDED EVENING
The milestone celebration welcomed an impressive lineup of personalities from the worlds of pageantry, television, entertainment, fashion, and the Filipino-American community.
Special guest judges for the evening included Mister International 2025 Kirk Bondad, renowned talent manager and entertainment personality Ogie Diaz, and TV personality Mama Loi.
Among the evening’s special guests were Camille Teodoro, Miss Philippines USA 2013 and model; Lisa Lew, former Binibining Pilipinas; Harlene Bautista; and Federico Moreno, adding even more star power to the 15th anniversary celebration.
The Coronation Night was hosted by Emmy Award-winning actor and television personality Jai Rodriguez, together with producer and writer Marc Anthony Nicolas, who guided the audience through the evening’s pageantry, entertainment, and crowning ceremonies.
The festivities began on the red carpet, hosted by Bunny Paras with co-host Chris Trondsen, who welcomed candidates, judges, sponsors, performers, beauty queens, celebrities, and VIP guests as they arrived at the historic Alex Theatre.
THE PHILIPPINES MEETS HOLLYWOOD
The evening opened with a spectacular musical presentation featuring Lindsay Solo, Prince Leviticus, Tina Braganza, and Garth Garcia, setting the tone for a night where Philippine culture met the glamour of Hollywood.
The candidates then took the stage in a colorful cultural parade showcasing traditional Filipiniana and Barong Tagalog by Estilo Filipino, celebrating Filipino heritage through fashion and pageantry.
The competition continued with a dazzling swimsuit presentation featuring the candidates in sequined swimsuits designed by Pegarro, bringing contemporary glamour and energy to the stage.
One of the evening’s most memorable moments was the Evening Gown Competition, inspired by the timeless sophistication of Old Hollywood. Candidates graced the stage in their formal wear while being serenaded by Nin de Reyes, Nathan Bryce, Prince Leviticus, and Garth Garcia. The combination of live music, elegant gowns, and theatrical presentation created a nostalgic look back at Hollywood’s golden era.
Additional entertainment was presented by Starlink Promotions artists Kevin Hermogenes, Cristiani Rebada, Maddison Habaluyas, and Breyenna De Leon, adding another dynamic element to the anniversary production.
The excitement culminated with the highly anticipated Question-and-Answer Competition and Crowning Ceremony, where the new Miss Philippines USA titleholders were revealed.
MISS YOUNG PHILIPPINES USA
Elaina Arguelles — Miss Young Philippines USA 2026
Amada Agoncillo — Miss Tourism
Kaylee Viado — 1st Runner-Up
Amanda Agoncillo — 2nd Runner-Up
Asha Bautista — 3rd Runner-Up
MISS PHILIPPINES USA
Lilith Brielle — Miss Philippines USA 2026
Ashlie Benasa — Miss Grand Ambassador
Alexandria Watson — Miss Tourism
Missia Ishikawa — 1st Runner-Up
Cheska Friend — 2nd Runner-Up
Heart Noble Dean — 3rd Runner-Up
MS. PHILIPPINES USA EMPRESS
Fema Ardiente — Ms. Philippines USA Empress 2026 & Ms. Tourism
Summer Wallace — 1st Runner-Up
Leanna Bade — 2nd Runner-Up
Kelsie Suan Kon — 3rd Runner-Up
MISTER PHILIPPINES USA
Christopher Millendez — Mister Philippines USA 2026
Justin Cadiz — Mister Tourism
Lachlan Ma — 1st Runner-Up
Andrew Ramirez — 2nd Runner-Up
Alexander Kochoa — 3rd Runner-Up
A CELEBRATION MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH PARTNERSHIP
The 15th Anniversary Coronation Night was made possible through the generous support and collaboration of the pageant’s partners, sponsors, and supporters, including:
Starlink Promotions • Philippine Department of Tourism • Irene Emond • Illura Health and Wellness • Sendwave • Celebrity Home Health Care • Poise International • The Gown Society • Korner Hut • DCR Accounting Services • MC Aesthetics • JC Healthcare • UbiRocks • Boracay Summer Place • Quest Plus • Astoria • Microtel by Wyndham • Rajah Tours • Uni-Orient Travel • Dusit • Max’s of Manila • Kusina Filipina • Asian Journal
For 15 years, Miss Philippines USA has provided a platform for Filipino-American men and women to showcase their beauty, talent, confidence, individuality, and connection to their Filipino heritage.
The 2026 Coronation Night was more than a pageant. It was a six-hour anniversary celebration of culture, tradition, entertainment, fashion, and Filipino pride—bringing generations together for an unforgettable evening at one of Southern California’s historic entertainment venues.
With its milestone 15th anniversary, Miss Philippines USA continues its legacy as one of the season’s most anticipated Filipino-American celebrations, connecting the beauty and traditions of the Philippines with the dreams, creativity, and excitement of Hollywood.
The Philippines met Hollywood—and it was a night to remember.
Photos by Tony Garcia and Katie Ortiz