From Island Girl to National Queen: Josiela Mae Lagrimas of Laoang, Northern Samar, Wins Mutya ng Pilipinas 2026

New York City - From a small island town in Northern Samar to the national beauty pageant spotlight, Josiela Mae Lagrimas has proven that determination, hard work, and perseverance can turn dreams into reality.

Lagrimas, a proud daughter of Laoang, Northern Samar, has been crowned the Grand Winner of Mutya ng Pilipinas 2026 and will represent the Philippines at the Miss Intercontinental 2026 pageant on the international stage.

Her victory brings pride and recognition to her hometown, putting Laoang on the national map through her beauty, intelligence, and inspiring personal journey.

Born and raised on the island, Lagrimas completed her elementary, high school, and college education in her hometown. Beyond her academic responsibilities, she demonstrated resourcefulness and an entrepreneurial spirit during her college years by baking and selling cookies to help cover her school expenses.

A graduate of Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, Lagrimas excelled academically while pursuing her ambitions in the world of beauty pageants. Her journey began in a local town beauty competition, where she discovered her potential and developed the confidence to compete at higher levels.

She later represented her hometown in Mutya san Ibabao, a provincial beauty pageant in Northern Samar, where she earned a place in the Top 7. It was during this stage of her journey that she befriended Drew Galleguez, a pageant aficionado and makeup artist who recognized her potential and encouraged her to pursue the national pageant circuit.

Galleguez played a significant role in helping Lagrimas prepare for national competition, assisting her with pageant entry, training, and financial support. Her first national competition was Hiyas ng Pilipinas, where she finished as fourth runner-up, gaining valuable experience that helped prepare her for her eventual triumph at Mutya ng Pilipinas.

Laoang Mayor Charlene Ongchuan expressed her pride in Lagrimas’ achievement and highlighted the beauty queen’s accomplishments both on and off the stage.

“As Mayor of Laoang, I’m truly happy and proud of our very own Josiela Mae Lagrimas, a proud, pure-blooded Laoanganon, for winning the Mutya ng Pilipinas Miss Intercontinental title!” Ongchuan said.

The mayor emphasized that Lagrimas’ achievement is particularly meaningful because of her academic excellence and perseverance.

“She is not only beautiful but also academically accomplished. She graduated with a degree in BS Accountancy and was at the top of her class,” Ongchuan added.

The mayor also recalled Lagrimas’ previous achievement at Hiyas ng Pilipinas and described her journey as an inspiration to the younger generation.

“Napakasarap sa pakiramdam na makita ang isang anak ng Laoang na patuloy na nagsusumikap at unti-unting naaabot ang kanyang mga pangarap,” Ongchuan said, expressing how fulfilling it is to see a daughter of Laoang work hard and gradually achieve her dreams.

Ongchuan also reaffirmed the town’s support as Lagrimas prepares to represent the Philippines internationally.

From baking cookies to help finance her education to earning a national beauty title, Lagrimas embodies the determination of a young woman who dares to dream beyond the boundaries of her island home.

Her victory is not only a personal milestone but also a source of pride for Laoang and Northern Samar, inspiring young Filipinos to believe that humble beginnings need not limit their aspirations.