TARLAC CITY, Tarlac (March 7, 2026) — In a night of redemption, grace, and intelligence, Jean Grai De Jesus of Tarlac City was crowned Binibining Kanlahi 2026 on the evening of March 6 at Maria Cristina Park, as part of the 10th Kanlahi Festival of Tarlac Province.
The 18-candidate competition, hosted by acclaimed actor and DJ Nico Locco alongside Miss Philippines Earth 2025 Joy Barcoma, was a grand celebration of Tarlaqueña beauty and advocacy. But for Jean Grai, the victory marked the culmination of a journey two years in the making.
Jean Grai first joined Binibining Kanlahi in 2024, representing the municipality of Anao, where she finished as 1st Runner-Up. That year, the crown went to Sasha Lacuna of Tarlac City.
Undeterred, Jean Grai continued to hone her craft, and after being crowned Miss Tarlac City in January 2026, she set her sights on the provincial title once more and this time representing the capital city.
Her persistence paid off spectacularly. Jean Grai delivered a winning answer during the final question, which asked: “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?”
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.”
Her answer impressed a distinguished panel of judges that included Miss International 2013 Bea Rose Santiago, Miss Supranational Philippines 2026 Katrina Llegado, and Anita Rose Gomez, 1st Runner-Up of Miss Asia Pacific International 2025.
She was followed by a stellar Top 5:
– Binibining Kanlahi 2026 / Miss Universe Philippines Tarlac: Tarlac City (Jean Grai De Jesus)
– 1st Runner-Up / Miss Pearl of the Orient Philippines Tarlac: San Clemente (Marie Alma Dela Cruz)
– 2nd Runner-Up: Ramos (Angelica Santos)
– 3rd Runner-Up: Concepcion (Zyra Basilio)
– 4th Runner-Up: Paniqui (Jhia Dela Cruz)
Following her victory, Jean Grai sat for an interview with Taga Tarlac Ka Kung. When asked about the feeling of finally winning after joining again, she shared:
“I am so happy and grateful kasi finally, I thought hindi ako makakasama sa top 5, pero pasok ako. I know na I did my best and I deserve this kasi I really trained so hard, especially with my Q&A training. And I’m just so happy and grateful for this opportunity and now I can represent the Tarlac province in the Miss Universe Philippines 2027. And I want other people especially to the modern Tarlaqueña, [like me, will get the same as mine] that, you know, continue to believe in yourself because everything is possible.”
When asked about her preparations for the national stage in 2027, she explained that she is focusing on enhancing her communication skills, emphasizing that while presentation and poise are important, excelling in Miss Universe Philippines requires a well-rounded approach.
She expressed her gratitude to everyone who supported her journey, including the city of Tarlac, Mayor Susan Yap, her barangay, her team, her friends, and her family. She thanked them for their prayers, love, and support, and assured them that she will make the province proud on the national stage.
Tarlac City Mayor Susan Yap took to Facebook to congratulate the new queen. In her post, she wrote:
“Congratulations Jean Grai De Jesus, ang ating Bb. Kanlahi 2026! Ipinagmamalaki natin ang iyong galing, talino, at kagandahan na tunay na sumasalamin sa husay at puso ng mga Tarlaqueño. Nawa’y magsilbi kang inspirasyon sa marami at patuloy mong dalhin ang dangal ng ating probinsya saan ka man magpunta.”
Governor Christian Yap also extended his congratulations, posting:
“Binabati ko ang lahat ng mga kandidata ng Binibining Kanlahi 2026! Isang taos-pusong pagbati kay Binibining Kanlahi Jean Grai De Jesus mula sa Tarlac City. Nawa’y magsilbi kayong huwaran ng liderato, malasakit sa kapwa, at patuloy na pagmamalaki sa mayamang kultura at pagkakakilanlan ng ating lalawigan. Mabuhay ang Binibining Kanlahi 2026! Mabuhay ang mga kababaihang Tarlaqueña!”
With her victory, Jean Grai is set to represent Tarlac Province in the Miss Universe Philippines 2027 pageant.
