VMX star Sahara Bernales makes surprising pageantry leap
At A Glance
- Actress Sahara Bernales, known for starring in sensual films, is making a surprising transition to beauty pageants as she joins the inaugural Reina Filipinas 2026 representing Pampanga.
The inaugural Reina Filipinas 2026 has found one of its most unexpected candidates in VMX actress Sahara Bernales.
Known for starring in the streaming platform's sensual films, Bernales is making an unlikely transition from soft-erotica actress to beauty queen as she joins the pageant's first batch of official candidates.
Representing Pampanga, Bernales turned heads at Monday's sashing ceremony, confidently strutting the runway in a form-fitting white gown.
The actress, whose credits include "Maryang Palad," "Tampipi," and "Katas," said her experience in front of the camera gives her an edge in the competition.
"Of course, syempre advantage 'yun kasi kung hindi ako naging sexy star, hindi ako nagkaroon ng enough confidence na maipapakita yung kaya ko pang gawin," she said.
Rather than distance herself from her VMX roots, Bernales said she hopes her pageant bid inspires fellow artists from the platform to pursue opportunities they may have once thought were beyond their reach.
"Yung mga taong natatakot lumaban o sumali sa mga ganitong pageant, sana lumakas loob nila kasi ako tinanggap ko ito," she added.
Bernales is one of 22 candidates competing in the maiden edition of Reina Filipinas, which will crown the country's representative to Miss Grand International, along with two delegates to Miss Grand All Stars.