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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Celebrities devider Christian missionary Asia Rose Simpson crowned Miss World Philippines 2026

Christian missionary Asia Rose Simpson crowned Miss World Philippines 2026

Published Feb 4, 2026 10:45 pm

Eighteen-year-old senior high school student and Christian missionary Asia Rose Simpson emerged as the new Miss World Philippines 2026 after beating 23 other candidates in the finals held at SM Mall of Asia Arena on Feb. 3.

New Miss World Philippines 2026 Asia Rose Simpson (SM Mall of Asia/Instagram)
New Miss World Philippines 2026 Asia Rose Simpson (SM Mall of Asia/Instagram)

Born to a Filipino father and an American mother, the new Miss World PH  impressed the judges and audiences alike with her intelligence, advocacy, and stage presence. She was crowned by no less than Miss World 2025 Opal Suchata and Baguio City's Krishnah Gravidez who's Miss World Asia 2025, with Miss World PH national director Arnold Vegafria looking on.

Completing her royal court were Anne Carres de Mesa of Manila as First Princess and Gabrielle Galapia of Pampanga as Second Princess.

Born to a Filipino father and an American mother, Asia Rose impressed the judges and audiences alike with her intelligence, advocacy, and stage presence. She was named winner of the "Beauty with a Purpose" challenge and Miss Talent, and tied with Valerie Pawid-West of Ifugao Province for Best in Swimsuit.

Shortly after being announced as the winner, she used sign language on stage to communicate with members of the hearing-impaired community. She said later that this underscored her commitment to inclusivity and awareness of disability.

During the question-and-answer portion, Asia Rose was asked whether social media has helped or hurt society.

New Miss World Philippines Asia Rose Simpson (middle) with Anne Carres de Mesa (right) of Manila - First Princess and Gabrielle Galapia (left) of Pampanga - Second Princess. (Annalyn Jusay)
New Miss World Philippines Asia Rose Simpson (middle) with Anne Carres de Mesa (right) of Manila - First Princess and Gabrielle Galapia (left) of Pampanga - Second Princess. (Annalyn Jusay)

She responded by citing mental health concerns among young people and emphasized the importance of balance and responsibility.

“Mental health issues are on the rise. One in seven children worldwide experience mental health disorders, and the World Health Organization relays that 80 percent of adolescents don't meet the recommended levels of activity,” she said.

She then introduced her SED (Sports, Emotional, & Dance)  initiative, which focuses on sports and dance as tools for physical, mental, and emotional wellness.

“Social media, while it can have so many benefits, helps us promote businesses and organizations. However, it has also been used as a crutch for our creativity and social skills, so let’s use social media responsibly,” she added.

In an interview after her win, Asia Rose shared how her upbringing influenced her worldview.

“I came to the Philippines when I was six months old. That was the first international flight that I ever took,” sh

Miss World PH national director Arnold Vegafria, Miss World 2025 Opal Suchata, Miss World Philippines 2026 Asia Rose Simpson, and Miss World Asia 2025 Krishnah Gravidez
Miss World PH national director Arnold Vegafria, Miss World 2025 Opal Suchata, Miss World Philippines 2026 Asia Rose Simpson, and Miss World Asia 2025 Krishnah Gravidez

Her family settled in Roxas City, Capiz, where she spent her first ten years, before moving to Manila in 2017. They have since been based in Quezon City.

Asia Rose also explained why she was homeschooled.

“My family and I are missionaries. So we move around a lot. Being in a public or private school set in one place wouldn’t work with our lifestyle,” she said.

Her journey in the spotlight began early. Her biography notes that she joined It's Showtime through its Mini Miss U segment.

While holding an American passport, Asia Rose represented New Mexico at Miss Teen USA 2023, which gave her valuable experience in international competitions.

Organized by ALV Pageant Circle, the event also named representatives to various international competitions. Valerie Pawid-West of Ifugao Province was crowned Miss Global Philippines 2026, Marizza Delgado of the Filipino Community of New York was named Universal Woman Philippines 2026, Olivia Grace Reilly of Sultan Kudarat won Miss Teen International Philippines, Jayvee Lyn Lorejo of Davao Region was chosen as Miss Tourism International Philippines, and Lorraine Ojimba of Rizal Province earned the title Miss Tourism Queen of the Year International Philippines 2026.

Here are the major awards of Miss World PH 2026 finals:

Best in Evening Gown - Marizza Delgado (Filipino Community of New York)

Best in National Costume - Anne Carres de Mesa (Manila)

Best in Swimsuit - Asia Rose Simpson (Quezon City) and Valerie Pawid-West  (Ifugao Province)

Miss Congeniality - Angel Abergas (Filipino Community of Singapore)

Miss Photogenic - Jayvee Lyn Lorejo  (Davao Region)

Miss Charity and Province of the Year -  Miss Ifugao Valerie West

Other Awards:

Online Vote winner - Miss Davao Jayvee Lyn Lorejo

1st runner-up voting - Miss Ifugao Valerie West

2nd runner-up Online Voting - Miss Filipino Community of UK 

Sports Challenge - Miss Ifugao Valerie West

Talent Challenge - Miss Quezon City Asia Rose Simpson

Beauty With A Purpose  - Miss Quezon City Asia Rose Simpson

NatCos Challenge - Miss Manila Anne Carres de Mesa

Head-to-Head Challenge - Miss Pampanga Gabrielle Galapia

Miss Multimedia - Miss Naga Zoe Sofia Gabon

ALV Pageant Circle also named representatives to various international competitions. Shown from left are: Miss Tourism Queen of the Year International Philippines 2026 Lorraine Ojimba (Rizal Province), Miss Tourism International Philippines 2026 Jayvee Lyn Lorejo (Davao region), Miss Global Philippines 2026 Valerie Pawid-West of Ifugao Province, Universal Woman Philippines 2026 Marizza Delgado (FilCom of New York), and Miss Teen International Philippines Olivia Grace Reilly. (Annalyn Jusay)
ALV Pageant Circle also named representatives to various international competitions. Shown from left are: Miss Tourism Queen of the Year International Philippines 2026 Lorraine Ojimba (Rizal Province), Miss Tourism International Philippines 2026 Jayvee Lyn Lorejo (Davao region), Miss Global Philippines 2026 Valerie Pawid-West of Ifugao Province, Universal Woman Philippines 2026 Marizza Delgado (FilCom of New York), and Miss Teen International Philippines Olivia Grace Reilly. (Annalyn Jusay)

Sponsor Awards: 

Miss Juan Hand - Miss Bukidnon Gwen Marie Perion

Miss Bench - Miss Davao Jayvee Lyn Lorejo

Toledo Med Ambassador - Miss Davao Jayvee Lyn Lorejo

Miss Bench Body - Miss Rizal Lorraine Ojimba

Miss Bench Active - Miss Ifugao Valerie West

Miss Honest Glow - Miss Ifugao Valerie West

Miss Gluta Lipo - Miss Davao Jayvee Lyn Lorejo

Toledo Cosmetics Ambassador - Miss Davao Jayvee Lyn Lorejo, Miss Filipino Community of New York Marizza Delgado, & Miss Quezon City Asia Rose Simpson

Miss Hikari - Miss Ifugao Valerie West, Miss Davao Jayvee Lyn Lorejo, & Miss Pampanga Gabrielle Galapia

Miss Hotel 101 - Miss Davao Jayvee Lyn Lorejo

Miss Monarch Montage - Miss Ifugao Valerie West

Face of Nova - Miss Filipino Community of UK Margarethe Elize Romano

Miss Pro Shot - Miss Ifugao Valerie West

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