After a 13-year title drought, the Philippines finally clinched its second Miss Supranational win, thanks to Katrina Llegado.
The beauty queen was crowned Miss Supranational on August 1 (Philippine time) in Poland, succeeding Eduarda Braum of Brazil.
Llegado, who hails from Taguig City, prevailed over 66 other candidates, becoming only the second Filipina to win the international pageant after 2013 winner Mutya Datul.
Supranational journey
Among Llegado’s standout appearances before the finals was her gumamela-inspired national costume, which featured a voluminous coral-pink ensemble fashioned after layered flower petals.
For the evening gown competition, she wore a sunrise-inspired creation featuring an ombre blend of gold, orange and violet.
The gown, made by Filipino designer Rian Fernandez, featured sheer long sleeves accented with shimmering beadwork and detailed embellishments.
The outfit represents “beauty and hope that every sunrise brings,” as Llegado wrote in her Instagram post.
“Just like every sunrise, each new day is a chance to dream bigger, stand taller, and keep believing. Tonight, I wear not just a gown, but the hopes of every Filipino cheering me on.”
Before claiming the crown, she also posted a childhood photo of herself with the message, “Always doing it for my younger self.”
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Fan favourites Julia and Lorenzo crowned winners of Love Island UK 2026
‘Perfectly imperfect’ moment
Her bid for the crown culminated in the final question-and-answer round, where she faced the prompt: “Please tell us about the moment you stopped trying to become the woman the world expected, and started becoming the woman you’re really meant to be.”
To which, Llegado responded, “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.”
The answer propelled her into the final two, leaving her and France’s Eve Gilles as the last contenders for the title.
Llegado then broke down in tears as soon as she was announced the winner.
A nation’s pride
Her victory drew praise from across the Philippine pageant community, with fellow beauty queens and pageant organisations celebrating the country’s return to the top of Miss Supranational after 13 years.
Among those who congratulated her was 2013 Miss Supranational winner Mutya Datul, who welcomed Llegado into the titleholders’ circle.
The Miss Universe Philippines Organization also hailed the achievement as another “unforgettable chapter to the Philippines’ legacy in international pageantry.”
Meanwhile, former Reina Hispanoamericana winner Winwyn Marquez also commended her triumph.
Joining Llegado in the winners’ circle were France’s Eve Gilles as first runner-up, Brazil’s Lara Marina as second runner-up, Nigeria’s Ndah Eno as third runner-up and the Czech Republic’s Karolina Gorylova as fourth runner-up.
The competition also crowned its regional titleholders, with Tracy Nabukeera of Tanzania representing 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.
READ NEXT: SB19 to perform at Grammy Museum ahead of Lollapalooza debut
Carmela Calling 
James Mario Ajero