One of the centerpiece celebrations of the Tanauan’s 25th Cityhood Anniversary, the Grand Pageant Night of Binibining Tanauan 2026 filled Plaza Mabini with cheers as Tanaueños witnessed a night of elegance and empowerment.

Under a sky illuminated by bright lights and applause, Tanaueños gathered to support the finest candidates—each proudly representing the beauty, confidence, and spirit of their respective barangays.

The 33 epitomes of modern Tanaueña

The journey to the crown began with 33 stunning candidates, each embodying the grace, intelligence, and determination of the modern Tanaueña.

During the preliminary competition, the candidates captivated the audience with their Production and Casual Wear and Swimwear competitions, each stepping onto the stage showcasing poise, confidence, and individuality.

On the Grand Pageant Night, the candidates once again took center stage in a series of competitions including the Production Number and Theme Wear, Swimwear, Evening Gown, and the highly anticipated Question and Answer portion.

A panel of stars

Guiding the selection of the city’s next queens was a distinguished panel of judges composed of prominent personalities in the pageant industry: Austin Dizon (Mr. International 2023 1st Runner-Up), John Bonifacio (Mr. Grand Philippines 2025), Roberta Tamondong (Ms. Grand International 2022 5th Runner-Up), Sophia Bianca Santos (Ms. Elite Philippines 2025 and Ms. World Philippines 2024 2nd Runner-Up), and the only Yllana Marie Aduana (Ms. Universe Philippines 2025 2nd Runner-Up and Ms. Earth – Air 2023).

With their expertise and experience, the judging process celebrated not only grace and elegance, but also intelligence, confidence, advocacy, and the potential of each candidate to inspire communities.

A city united by celebration

The prestigious event was made possible through the collective efforts of the City Government of Tanauan, led by Mayor Sonny Perez Collantes, together with the Sangguniang Panlungsod headed by Vice Mayor Dodong Panganiban Ablao.

Joining them in celebrating this milestone were TCWCC President Atty. Cristine Collantes and the City Administrator’s Office, whose collaboration brought together the city for an unforgettable evening of pride and celebration.

In his message, Mayor Collantes emphasized the deeper purpose of the event.

“The Binibining Tanauan pageant is not only about grace and elegance—it is a platform that highlights the voice, leadership, and advocacies of young women, who represent the future of our city.”

He further highlighted the vital role of women in shaping Tanauan’s history and progress.

“Sa kasaysayan ng Tanauan, ang ating mga kababaihan ay naging inspirasyon ng lakas, pagmamahal, at serbisyo sa tahanan, komunidad, at pamahalaan.”

Mayor Collantes also put stress on the significance of women leading communities: “When women lead, communities grow stronger. When communities grow stronger, families can become more resilient, and the future becomes brighter.”

In line with this, Vice Mayor Ablao shared the great news that the next venue of Binibining Tanauan will be in Tanauan City Sports Complex, which is fully airconditioned and can accommodate 3,500 people—a proof of how the city values platforms that empower women.

The winning answer

“As Tanauan City celebrates its 25th cityhood anniversary, how can young women like you participate in building a stronger and progressive Tanauan City?”

After an inspiring night filled with determination, grace, and purpose, Ma. Carmela Ann Calingasan of Barangay Poblacion 3 was crowned Binibining Tanauan 2026, carrying the honor of representing the beauty, pride, and promise of Tanauan City.

Joining her are the 1st Runner-Up Mikkyla Jed Garcia from Darasa, 2nd Runner-Up Hillary Faith Gregory from Banjo East, 3rd Runner-Up Khaira Marie Dulongbinti from Hidalgo, and 4th Runner-Up Precious Jel Morren Asombrado from Sala.

A message from the queen

In an exclusive interview following her coronation, the newly crowned queen shared her heartfelt gratitude:

“I didn’t really expect to win. All I had [was] hard work, prayers, and determination. This has been my dream since I was a child, and now I’m finally making it [a] reality. I’m just really grateful, honored, and humbled by this opportunity.”

To her fellow young Tanaueñas:

“Don’t be afraid to dream. Dare to pursue your dreams and have the courage to chase them. If you feel scared, just keep trying until you succeed.”

In relation to celebrating Women’s Month, Calingasan shared an empowering message to her fellow Tanaueñas aspiring to represent their communities through pageantry.

“We are all beautiful regardless of our shape, size, or gender…If I [were] able to make it, you can too. I’m really small, and that’s one of the pageant stereotypes, and I’m here to prove that it’s now very inclusive, and everyone is welcome to join, and you are not left behind.”

Reflecting Tanauan’s milestone anniversary, she called on her fellow citizens to continue supporting the city’s progress.

“All that matters is how we continue to pursue and to flourish in the city of Batangas…I’m inviting you to support our city and to continue promoting the beauty of Tanauan.”

Crowns that carry a city

As Tanauan celebrates 25 years of cityhood, the newly crowned queens represent more than beauty and elegance—they symbolize the strength, unity, and aspirations of a city moving confidently toward the future.

As emphasized by Atty. Cristine Collantes, the crown carries a deeper responsibility. 

“Sa bawat iskor at bawat galaw at bawat salita, ang korona ay walang saysay kung walang kasamang responsibilidad na magsilbi nang buong puso, at kagustuhan na magbigay inspirasyon at pag-asa sa pamayanan gamit ang ganda at talento.”

“Hinihikayat ko kayong lahat to champion the rights of women,” Atty. Cristine added, proving her role once more as the city’s Mother of Women.

Mayor Collantes also expressed his trust to the winners, “We entrust you with the honor of representing our city. May you use your crown not only as a symbol of beauty, but a symbol of responsibility to inspire, to serve, and to uplift others.”

With their crowns comes a greater mission: to inspire communities, uplift fellow women, and embody the values that truly define the spirit of a Tanaueña.

As the lights slowly dimmed and the cheers slowly faded into the night, one message remained bright and clear:

When a Tanaueña rises, the whole city rises with her.