TARLAC CITY, Tarlac (March 7, 2026) — The 10th Kanlahi Festival continued its week-long celebration on the evening of March 6, 2026, as 18 candidates from across Tarlac Province gathered at Maria Cristina Park to compete for the coveted title of Binibining Kanlahi.
The event, hosted by acclaimed actor and DJ Nico Locco alongside Miss Philippines Earth 2025 Joy Barcoma, showcased not only the beauty but also the intelligence and advocacy of the province’s finest women.
Governor Christian Yap, joined onstage by Vice Governor Lita Aquino, delivered an inspiring message to the candidates and attendees. In his speech, he thanked all the organizers, attendees, judges, sponsors, supporters, mayors from the different towns, and public servants of the province for their support of the contestants and all the activities of the Kanlahi Festival. He also praised the candidates, saying:
“Congratulations sa inyong lahat, andito rin po sila hindi lang para maipakita ang kanilang kagandahan pero ipakita ang kanilang adbokasiya, ang kanilang katalinuhan, ang kanilang mga gustong masabi para ma-promote ang kani-kanilang bayan. You make us all proud.”
This year’s pageant introduced a brand-new segment: the Casual Interview. Over the past month, candidates had spent time with their fellow contestants, forming close bonds and partnerships. Host Joy Barcoma then asked the finalists about their partners, not about the interviewee’s own life—testing their wit, personality, and ability to express themselves.
The segment quickly went viral, largely due to Barcoma’s humorous and engaging questioning style, as the judges scored not just their answers but how they connected, inspired, and communicated with others.
The competition was fierce, with the field narrowing down to a Top 11: Bamban, Tarlac City, Anao, La Paz, San Manuel, Camiling, Gerona, Concepcion, Ramos, Paniqui, and San Clemente. From there, the Top 5 finalists were announced: Concepcion, Paniqui, San Clemente, Ramos, and Tarlac City.
These five ladies faced a unified final question that would determine the winner: “If Tourism brings short term profits but harms the environment or local communities, how would you as a Binibining Kanlahi promote responsible tourism and inspire others to protect it?”
Tarlac City’s representative, Jean Grai De Jesus, delivered a poignant answer that resonated deeply with the audience and the judges.
She responded: “As your Binibining Kanlahi 2026, I believe that we have different breathtaking places here in Tarlac province. And I think it’s time for us to be responsible tourism. By through sustainable living, through environmental education is the easiest way for us to instill to the young’s mind the importance of ecological conservation and ecological balance. Because if we continue to empower the youth with knowledge, they will empower themselves to the right choices. And by then, we can make a lifelong commitment towards the safer, cleaner, and more progressive Tarlac province.”
After much deliberation by a powerhouse panel of judges—Bea Rose Santiago, Katrina Llegado, and Anita Rose Gomez—the results were finally revealed. In a thrilling climax, the crown was awarded to Tarlac City. She was followed by a stellar Top 5:
Binibining Kanlahi 2026 / Miss Universe Philippines Tarlac: Tarlac City’s Jean Grai De Jesus
1st Runner-Up / Miss Pearl of the Orient Philippines Tarlac: San Clemente’s Marie Alma Dela Cruz
2nd Runner-Up: Ramos’ Angelica Santos
3rd Runner-Up: Concepcion’s Zyra Basilio
4th Runner-Up: Paniqui’s Jhia Dela Cruz
More than a crown, Binibining Kanlahi 2026 was a celebration of Tarlac’s culture and the empowered women who shape its future.
