Binibining Pilipinas queens pose with a photo of the issue of the Manila Bulletin newspaper on the day of their coronation

Just a day after being crowned Binibining Pilipinas 2026 queens, the newly minted titleholders visited Manila Bulletin on Monday, where they sat down with this writer to talk about the whirlwind that followed coronation night, the lessons they learned throughout the competition, and how their lives are already beginning to change.

Representing the 2026 court were Binibining Pilipinas International 2026 Gwendoline Meliz Soriano of Baguio City, Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2026 Sasha-Juli Belle Lacuna of Tarlac Province, first runner-up Julianne Raine Antonio of Dumaguete City, and second runner-up Tracy Mae Sunio of Bacolod City. Joining them was Manila Bulletin Reader’s Choice winner Samantha Marie Zabarte of Dasmariñas City, who also reflected on her Binibini journey and the overwhelming support she received from fans.

For the queens, however, the excitement of their victories was still fresh, and the reality of their new titles had yet to fully sink in.

Lacuna admitted that the realization was only beginning now that their media appearances had started.

“It’s happening now,” she said with a laugh. “We took the time to rest after coronation night, and it’s only now that we’re doing these visits. I’m just starting to process everything.”

Antonio echoed the feeling, saying the title still feels surreal.

“I think it will finally sink in once more people personally congratulate us during our media interviews,” she shared. “When people start acknowledging you as Binibining Pilipinas, that’s when it becomes real.”

Soriano agreed that the packed schedule has kept the adrenaline going.

“It’s only been a couple of days,” she said. “Maybe after two weeks of media appearances, everything will finally sink in.”

Beyond the glamour, the queens reflected on the biggest lessons they hope to carry throughout their reigns.

For Sunio, who joined her first national pageant this year, learning to trust the process made all the difference.

“I always reminded myself to just go with the flow,” she said. “There was so much pressure because it was my first pageant, but eventually I realized that if I stayed true to myself, everything would work out.”

Lacuna said the competition taught her to embrace every moment while celebrating the success of the women beside her.

“We were competing, but it never felt overly competitive,” she said. “We cheered for one another, celebrated each other’s victories, and that sisterhood showed on stage. Sometimes the best way to lift yourself is to genuinely celebrate someone else’s success.”

Antonio, meanwhile, revealed the discipline behind her composed performance.

“I studied until four in the morning reading the news and writing notes because I wanted to be knowledgeable about current issues,” she shared. “There were sleepless nights and a lot of pressure, but I learned to handle it with grace. At the end of the day, authenticity shines through.”

With their new titles also comes a much bigger platform for advocacy.

Soriano believes becoming a Binibining Pilipinas queen will allow her to reach more communities through the organization’s long-standing partnerships.

“The access we have now is much bigger,” she explained. “We can work with organizations and hopefully help more Filipinos.”

Antonio hopes to use her platform to champion elderly wellness, particularly neglected senior citizens in her community.

“I want to give our lolos and lolas a dignified life,” she said. “I hope this title helps me partner with our local government so I can make a bigger impact.”

Sunio, whose advocacy focuses on animal welfare, said the crown has inspired her to become more visible about the work she has quietly been doing for years.

“I already take care of stray animals behind the scenes,” she shared. “Now I realize I should post about it more because awareness is important. Even something as simple as spending time with animals waiting to be adopted can make a difference.”

The queens also acknowledged that wearing the Binibining Pilipinas crown comes with personal sacrifices.

For Lacuna, privacy is something she knows will inevitably change, while Sunio admitted that her schedule will no longer allow as much time with family and friends.

Soriano reflected on postponing personal plans to devote herself fully to her reign.

“I thought that by 27, I’d already have my own family,” she said with a smile. “But I believe this is where God wants me to be right now, so this season is about giving everything I have to this responsibility.”

Despite the demanding journey ahead, the queens remain united by the sisterhood they built over four months of competition, a bond they say is every bit as meaningful as the crowns they now wear.

As they prepare for international pageants and a year of public service, the Binibining Pilipinas 2026 titleholders hope their reign will be remembered not only for beauty and elegance, but also for authenticity, compassion, and meaningful impact.