PH's Katrina Llegado wins Miss Supranational 2026

‘Above and beyond’: Katrina Llegado wins Miss Supranational 2026, ends PH’s 13-year title drought

Marilag Odtohan
ABS-CBN News
August 01, 2026

Pinay beauty queen Katrina Llegado has been crowned Miss Supranational 2026, ending the Philippines’ 13-year wait for the international title on Saturday, August 1 (PH Time) during the coronation night held in Poland.

The Taguig City native bested 66 other aspirants to become the successor of Eduarda Braum of Brazil, making her only the second Pinay delegate to win the Miss Supranational title.

Before Llegado’s victory, the Philippines last held the title in 2013 through Mutya Datul, whose triumph was considered historic after becoming the first Pinay and Asian contender to win the crown.

During the evening gown segment, Llegado dazzled in a Rian Fernandez creation featuring sheer long sleeves embellished with shimmering beadwork and intricate detailing. Llegado said the gown was inspired by the hope, light,and renewed inspiration that every sunrise brings. 

Her defining moment came during the final question-and-answer round when she was asked: “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 am here today doing my best, and becoming my best version [of myself]. And here in Miss Supranational, I know I belong [here]. I know [there’s] a place for me, and this is becoming Supra, above and beyond,” Llegado responded.

Ahead of the coronation night, the beauty queen had already strutted the pre-pageant events of the competition, particularly when she donned a gumamela-inspired national costume featuring a voluminous coral-pink ensemble composed of layered petals.

Hours before taking the Miss Supranational finals night, Llegado also shared a childhood photo of herself on social media with the caption, “Always doing it for my younger self.” 

The post quickly resonated with pageant fans who saw it as a heartfelt reflection on the journey that led her to the international stage.

This was not Llegado’s first international pageant stint. She previously represented the Philippines at Reina Hispanoamericana 2019 in Bolivia, where she finished as Quinta Finalista (5th runner-up).

She secured her ticket to Miss Supranational 2026 more than a year ago after reaching the finals of Miss Universe Philippines 2025.

Earlier this year, Llegado already crowned her successor as Miss Supranational Philippines in Allyson Hetland of Pampanga. 

Completing the Miss Supranational 2026 court were: Eve Gilles of France as 1st runner-up; Lara Marina of Brazil as 2nd runner-up; Ndah Eno of Nigeria as 3rd runner-up; and Karolina Gorylova of the Czech Republic as 4th runner-up. 

The pageant also named its continental titleholders: Tracy Nabukeera of Tanzania for Africa, Silvia Maestre of Venezuela for the Americas, Agnes Rahajeng of Indonesia for Asia and Oceania, Rasheda Green of Jamaica for the Caribbean, and Oliwia Mikulska of Poland for Europe.

Following the coronation, congratulations poured in from the Philippine pageant community. Mutya Datul warmly welcomed Llegado into the circle of Miss Supranational winners, while the Miss Universe Philippines Organization also celebrated the victory as another milestone for the country’s pageant legacy.

Former Reina Hispanoamericana 2017 winner Winwyn Marquez joined the growing list of beauty queens applauding Llegado’s achievement, while Miss Supranational 2025 3rd runner-up Tarah Valencia and Miss International 2025 4th runner-up Myrna Esguerra expressed their support through an Instagram Story shortly after the coronation.

Philippines one of the best foodie destination for 2026 - Michelin

The best destinations for foodies in 2026, according to Michelin

Star Insider
16 January 2026

The best destinations for foodies in 2026, according to Michelin

Michelin has revealed its eagerly awaited "Best Places to Travel in 2026 for Food Lovers" list. Published by the Michelin Guide, the index is compiled by Michelin inspectors and experts on the ground and highlights 16 destinations around the world chosen for their selected restaurants and hotels and emerging culinary scenes. Essentially, the list showcases an appetizing variety of food from different countries and the techniques used by top chefs to create dishes that are redefining menus and placing cuisine on the traveler's map.

16. Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver is already deserving of its reputation as a great food city. In 2026, it's also a FIFA World Cup host city, adding further appeal to this multicultural Canadian city.

As a foodie destination, Vancouver is renowned for its vibrant culinary scene. Fresh locally caught seafood, strong Asian influences, and a burgeoning focus on Indigenous cooking lend this eco-conscious Pacific hub an appetizing allure.

15. Québec, Canada

Québec is the only Francophone-majority province in Canada. Fiercely proud of its historic New France roots, Québec is nonetheless fully international, its diverse regions, languages, cultures, and history shaping its global character.

Québec's culinary landscape is firmly rooted in 17th-century French cooking techniques. Inventive Montreal chefs, for example, ably uphold this farm-to-table philosophy with dishes that also draw on historical influences from British and Indigenous cuisines, many reimagined for international palates.

14. Philadelphia, USA

Another 2026 World Cup host city, Philadelphia boasts one of America's most dynamic dining scenes, shaped largely by immigrant traditions and seasonal mid-Atlantic seafood.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the establishment of two Philadelphia landmarks offering an array of food options, the Reading Terminal Market and the Italian Market. Today, neighborhood restaurants flourish.

13. Boston, USA

Further up the East Coast, Boston is a historic food city, known for its exciting blend of New England seafood, tasty Italian fare, and classic American comfort foods, unique regional tastes like North Shore roast beef.

While Boston remains deliciously seafood-centric, the city is also appreciated for more exotic menus, typically listing Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine. And an emerging, newly energized emphasis on sophisticated and innovative dining visibly illustrates Boston's growing reputation as a significant food destination.

12. Florida, USA

Gone are the days when Florida's epicurean clout was centered solely on Miami. These days, the state's culinary identity has broadened to include places like Orlando, Tampa and, more recently, Fort Lauderdale, The Palm Beaches, and St. Pete-Clearwater.

Seafood menus and chef-led dining rooms exemplify Florida's charge as a gourmet destination. But the state's culinary depth is also heightened by Cuban influences, the Floribbean fusion of Caribbean spices and tropical ingredients, and traditional Southern comfort dishes.

11. The American South

And comfort food is what the American South is all about... and more! Across Alabama, Atlanta, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, a bold new culinary clarity is redefining menus across the board.

In Alabama and Mississippi, chefs are carefully reinventing regional staples; standalone Atlanta is big on innovation; Louisiana, meanwhile, is consolidating its Cajun and Creole authority. The Carolinas have redefined their seafood and whole-hog traditions, while Tennessee is honing its smoke-driven identity.

10. Route 66

Route 66—"The Mother Road"—is 100 years old in 2026. All the more reason, then, to drive it. Across eight states, numerous eateries are gearing up for an influx of visitors.

But it's the quality plates found at the start and end of the route in Chicago and Los Angeles that truly inspire, and where exclusive gourmet restaurants in both cities cater to a discerning clientele.

9. Philippines

Filipino food is highly regarded for its diverse fusion of Indigenous ingredients and Malay, Spanish, Chinese, and American influences. And restaurants in Manila and Cebu are where these bold sweet, sour, salty, and savory flavors are best enjoyed.

But Manila and Cebu are destinations where you can also find a host of young chefs directing kitchens with independent flair and redefining Filipino food culture, employing traditional and international techniques to create dishes using regional fruits, spices, and cooking techniques like marinating and grilling, while balancing those same sweet, salty, and acidic flavors.

8. Jiangsu, China

Jiangsu province is one of China's most refined dining destinations. The culinary scene is dominated by Huaiyang cuisine and a garden culture known for its delicate, fresh, and mild flavors.

Emphasizing natural tastes, meticulous preparation, and artistic interpretation, chefs in the cities of Suzhou and Nanjing are applauded for their elegant regional food traditions, including the use of freshwater fish, subtle seasoning, and classical techniques.

7. Cappadocia, Turkey

Famed for its unworldly landscape of towering rock formations known as "fairy chimneys," Cappadocia is a favorite vacation getaway. Its natural wonders complement a burgeoning culinary scene, where 70% of the gastronomy is local.

Here, traditional fare is served in clay pots—earthy slow-cooked stews, soups, and grilled meats, and other hearty Turkish staples. The destination's culinary awakening is such that much of what's on offer is now appearing on pop-up tasting menus.

6. Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is a culinary destination to watch. While the kingdom's food scene is predominantly local, chefs working in cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah are successfully reinterpreting traditional dishes, grilled meats, and Red Sea seafood with daring creativity.

Meanwhile, the international flavor is picking up pace, with Japanese, Chinese, Lebanese, and French cuisines listed prominently on menus in restaurants and hotels in Saudi cities and coastal resorts.

5. Amalfi Coast, Italy

The picture-perfect Amalfi Coast is renowned for its serene beauty and romantic allure. The area is also celebrated for its creative culinary scene. Think grilled lobster, lemon-laced pasta, and just-caught seafood served al fresco.

The food remains elemental, rooted in tradition but elevated by stunning coastal settings. Kitchens work with the seasons, with chefs using fresh local produce and artisanal products to create an authentic taste of the Mediterranean lifestyle.

4. Wrocław, Poland

Wrocław, the historical capital of Poland's Silesia region, is a vibrant city where chefs are reinterpreting Silesian cooking traditions with flair and imagination. The picturesque old market square is lined with several restaurants where this new approach to food can be sampled.

Visitors can still enjoy classic Silesian fare, dishes like pierogi and beef roulade. But these new breed of chefs are designing menus with modern culinary techniques that's allowing this Central European food destination to step out of the shadows.

3. The Dolomites, Italy

All eyes are on Cortina d'Ampezzo as the town prepares to host the 2026 Winter Olympics. In preparation, the Dolomites region in the northern Italian Alps, Michelin's third-placed best travel destination, has benefited from new infrastructure and refined mountain hotels. The Games will also afford thousands an opportunity to savor alpine cooking.

Dolomites gastronomy is a unique, hearty blend of Italian and Austrian-German traditions. Local fare includes dumplings, speck (smoked ham), and mountain cheeses. But thanks to chefs looking to techniques outside of the Italian Alps, these cherished dishes are lent a decidedly modern twist.

2. Czech Republic

Michelin's second-placed travel destination is the Czech Republic. While Prague remains a well-known haunt for gourmands, it's what's cooking beyond the capital that has foodies excited. In Karlovy Vary and other spa towns, for example, it is simple ingredients such as potatoes, freshwater fish, and foraged mushrooms that are enriching menus.

Hearty and traditional Central European comfort food is still enjoyed across the country, with rural kitchens and menus rooted in place and seasonality that are essentially redrawing the culinary map.

1. Venice, Italy

Heading the list of the best places to travel in 2026 for food lovers is Venice. Appropriately one of the most romantic of European cities, Venice is honored not so much for its existing culinary scene but for what connoisseurs of fine dining can expect in the future.

A hotel renaissance is about to reset the city's dining scene. Orient Express, Cheval Blanc, Rosewood, and Airelles are all vying for a place at the table in the floating city. Arriving with these high-end properties will be stylish and trendy restaurants with kitchens geared towards serving those most appreciative of Michelin-rated dining spots.

Philippines ushers ASEAN in renewable energy investments

$27.7 billion: How the Philippines leads Asean in investments, green power push

Investments boom: 2024 saw a 28% jump in approved projects, as per DTI data

Jay Hilotin, Senior Assistant Editor
Gulf News (Saudi Arabia)
30 January 2025

Manila: The year 2024 broke records for investments, with approved projects hitting Php1.62 trillion ($27.7 billion), the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has confirmed.

Free energy from the sun: The Philippines's biggest winners in 2024 in wooing fresh capital were the energy and manufacturing sectors, as well as special economic zones. Renewable power led by solar-wind-batteries (SWB) secured Php1.38 trillion ($23.6 billion) in fresh inflows — a 40 per cent jump from 2023.Bloomberg

The bumper inflows exceeded the Php1.5 trillion initial target for the past year.

The Asean nation not only overshot its original aim: it was up 28 per cent, outpacing 2023’s Php1.26 trillion ($21.58 billion), outperforming neighbouring countries like Thailand and Malaysia in this metric.

The biggest winners in wooing fresh capital: renewable energy (RE) and manufacturing, among others, as per the Presidential Communications Office.

Green energy leads 

• The energy sector led the charge, securing Php1.38 trillion ($23.6 billion) — a massive 40 per cent jump from last year.
• Other booming sectors: air and water transport, mass housing, manufacturing, water supply, waste management, and real estate.

Economic zones

The Philippines, once dubbed as the "Silicon Valley" of South-east Asia, has lost its sheen due to power intermittency and high rates.

Now, it's plotting a comback, as the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) also shattered expectations, raking in Php214.17 billion ($3.67 billion), surpassing its Php200 billion ($3.5 billion) goal for 2024.

Investment boom

Though officials didn’t directly link the surge to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’ global investment push, trade leaders credit his overseas trips for securing major deals. 

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan with Ferdinand Marcos Jr, President of the Republic of the Philippines, at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi in November 2024.

File photo | WAM

Australia: Marcos locked in $1.53 billion (Php86 billion) across renewable energy, clean tech, IT-BPM, and healthcare, plus an expansion of Victoria International Container Terminal (VICT).

Germany & Czech Republic: Fresh investments are rolling in, with PEZA reporting nearly Php75 billion — about 43 per cent of its annual target — linked directly to the international trade missions.

Vietnam: VinGroup pledged investments in EV battery production, fueling the government’s transport modernisation.

Japan: A sweet deal between local Auro Chocolate and retail giant Mitsukoshi will benefit 1,000 Filipino families, blending Davao’s cacao with Japanese flavours like matcha and miso.

What’s next?

Manila is doubling down on investment-friendly policies in 2025, ensuring the Philippines remains a top destination for business, innovation, and job creation, said Trade Secretary Cristina Roque.

“We will continue to refine and implement forward-looking policies that attract investments in these key industries, ensuring that the Philippines remains a prime destination for innovation and growth,” Roque was quoted as saying by the Presidential Communications Office.

With this momentum, the Philippines isn’t just catching up — it’s leading the pack in the Asean.

Challenges

The country is tackling a key challenge: energy security and high cost of power.

Policy makers are leading the drive with a mix of renewable energy (RE) expansion and mega gas-to-energy projects, potentially dislodging coal.

In 2024, the Philippines ramped up RE capacity: more than 4,000 megawatts (MW) of power projects came online, as per the Department of Energy (DOE).

In June, the agency approved the construction of 16 offshore wind farms, with an estimated potential capacity of 7,668 MW. 

In September, Danish firm Copenhagen Offshore Partners announced a $3-billion investment for the 1-gigawatt (GW) San Miguel Bay offshore wind power project in Camarines Sur, about 400km south-east of Manila.

Juice from this wind project will start energizing the power grid from 2028.

In November, the $3.4-billion integrated solar-battery project, claimed to be the “biggest-of-its-type-in-the-world” in a 3,500-hectare (35 sq km) land in Nueva Ecija and Bulacan, broke ground north of the capital, combining solar and batteries, able to power the equivalent of 2 million local homes.

The Philippines also announced 20 dams for hydro-electric power generation.

Earlier this month (January 2025), the Philippines and UAE sealed a $15-billion landmark solar-wind-batteries deal aimed to bolster the Asean nation’s renewable energy credentials.

Policy mandate

Policy has been tweaked, too: electricity suppliers are now mandated to increase their RE sourcing by at least 2.52 per cent annually starting in 2023, up from the previous 1 per cennt annual increase in 2020. 

Filipino business tycoons are turning into battery barons, ramping up megawatt-scale “power banks” – including ones on floating platforms, with container-size battery energy storage systems (BESS).

A key advantage: they can be quickly deployed where needed. More than 60 sites across the archipelago had been completed or in the roll-out stage.  

Global recognition  

While the Philippines still has one of the highest power rates in the region, the push for REs is hoped to bring rates down.

With companies like Aboitiz Power, ACEN, and Meralco scaling up solar farms and offshore wind, the Philippines landed second in the 2024 Climatescope Report by BloombergNEF, reflecting investor confidence in greening drive.

Will these moves push some — if not all — of the 60 coal-fired plants (with generating capacity of 12 GW) to retire earlier than planned?

It's early days.

The ramp in RE underscores Manila’s efforts to creating a greener, end-user and investor-friendly (and, hopefully, cheaper!) power eco-system.

Alethea Ambrosio is crowned Miss Supranational Asia and Oceania in Poland

Alethea Ambrosio is crowned Miss Supranational Asia and Oceania in Poland

Story by Armin P. Adina 

Inquirer.net

07 July 2024

The Philippines’ Alethea Ambrosio was crowned Miss Supranational Asia and Oceania at the conclusion of the Miss Supranational 2024 pageant in Nowy Sacz, Poland, on July 6 (July 7 in Manila).

Her coronation also makes her the first Filipino woman to receive the continental title, and it came two days after Brandon Espiritu became the first entry from the Philippines to advance to the Top 5 of the Mister Supranational contest. He finished third overall.

Ambrosio and Espiritu won in the twin staging of The Miss Philippines and Mister Pilipinas Worldwide in October last year, and officially received their assignments as the country’s delegates to the Supranational competitions in February.

At the Miss Supranational pageant, Ambrosio advanced to the Top 12 of the competition. Part-Filipino Yuki Sonoda from Japan made it to the Top 25. Their fellow Asian delegate Harashta Haifa Zahra made history for Indonesia by winning the country’s first Miss Supranational crown.

Jenna Dykstra from the United States settled for the first runner-up spot, while heavy favorite Justyna Zednikova from the Czech Republic finished as second runner-up. Brazil’s Isadora Murtia was third runner-up, while Curacao’s Chanelle de Lau rounded up the winner’s circle as fourth runner -up.

Meanwhile, Ambrosio’s fellow continental queens were South Africa’s Bryoni Govender for Africa, Mexico’s Andrea Saenz for the Americas, Puerto Rico’s Fiorella Medina for the Caribbean, and Denmark’s Victoria Larsen for Europe.

Before flying to Poland for the international competition, Ambrosio has already crowned her successor as Miss Supranational Philippines, Tarah Valencia who was third runner-up in the 2024 Miss Universe Philippines pageant. She will compete in next year’s Miss Supranational contest.

Mutya Johanna Datul remains to be the lone Filipino woman to be proclaimed Miss Supranational. She won the title at the international competition’s fifth edition in 2013. Last year’s representative Pauline Amelinckx almost scored a second victory for the Philippines when she finished as first runner-up.

RP Blu Boys, Girls bring glory as highest ranked Filipino team sport in the world

RP Blu Boys, Girls bring glory as highest ranked Filipino team sport in the world

Sun Star Davao Digital
03 July 2024

All eyes are on the Philippines once more after proving it has what it takes to compete head to head against world-class athletes in team sports, not in basketball or football, but because of softball.

The RP Blu Boys and RP Blu Girls are swiftly climbing the ranks of the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC), capturing the attention and the hearts of both local Filipinos and softball enthusiasts worldwide. Both teams are currently ranked 15th in the WBSC world rankings, reflecting their hard-earned success and growing dominance in the sport. With their impressive performances and steadfast determination, these teams are destined to become household names in the softball community and retain, if not improve, their respective ranks.

Presently, the RP Blu Girls is seeing action at the Canada Cup International Softball Championship in Surrey, British Columbia where they face teams from Hong Kong, Canada, Israel and Mexico, among others. A few weeks ago, the RP Blu Boys showed their grit at the 18th WBSC Men’s Softball WorldCup in Hermosillo, Mexico where they stepped to the plate against Australia, Czechia, Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Venezuela.

Prior to these remarkable runs, the year 2023 was hailed as a landmark year for Philippine softball, with four Cebuana Lhuillier-backed national teams qualifying for the World Cup: the RP Blu Girls, RP Blu Boys, the U15 Women’s Team, and the Philippine Co-Ed Slow Pitch Team. The RP Blu Boys and RP Blu Girls' exceptional performances in international competitions propelled the Philippines to the 14th spot in the WBSC rankings. Overall, the WBSC recognized the Philippines as the most improved nation, climbing 17 positions from No. 31 at the beginning of the year. This meteoric rise highlights the team's relentless drive and exceptional skill, setting the stage for an exciting future in international softball.

The dedication and passion of ASAPHIL President and Cebuana Lhuillier CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier have been instrumental in this remarkable journey of the RP Blu Boys and RP Blu Girls. His unwavering commitment to making softball a prominent and respected sport in the Philippines has driven countless initiatives and programs designed to elevate the sport to new heights. Lhuillier's leadership has not only provided the necessary financial support and resources but he has also created a culture of excellence and determination among the young athletes.

"I have high hopes for softball as it is a sport where I firmly believe that Filipinos have what it takes to be the world’s best," Lhuillier stated with conviction.

As the RP Blu Boys and RP Blu Girls continue their ascent on the global softball stage, their journey promises to be nothing short of exhilarating. Their relentless drive and exceptional talent are setting new benchmarks, making every game not just a must-watch event but an embodiment of the Filipino people’s potential and passion for the game. PR