Asia Rose Simpson ready to shine at 73rd Miss World pageant
By Ian Ureta
Miss World Philippines 2026 Asia Rose Simpson says she is "100% ready" to represent the Philippines at the 73rd Miss World pageant in Vietnam.
The 18-year-old Filipina-American beauty queen shared her confidence during her send-off event in Quezon City on Aug. 6, where she talked about her preparations for the competition and its various fast-track events.
For the Talent Fast Track, Simpson will perform "Succor," an original dance piece that explores mental health and the hope that remains accessible to everyone.
She will also showcase her skills as an author and illustrator through "Mabuhay, Philippines," a children's book she wrote and illustrated for the Miss World Philippines Library.
"I'm a children's book author and illustrator," Simpson said, adding that the book was inspired by people she has met and places she has visited in the Philippines.
Simpson will also bring her SED (Sports, Exercise and Dance) initiative to the competition. The program promotes the physical and mental well-being of young people through sports, dance, workshops and mental health education.
According to Simpson, the initiative has reached more than 10,000 young people in the Philippines, the United States and Vietnam.
The send-off event also turned emotional as Simpson's family shared messages of support and encouragement before she leaves for the international competition.
Simpson now heads to Vietnam hoping to make her mark at Miss World and bring the Philippines its second crown in the pageant. Megan Young won the country's first Miss World title in 2013.