CEBU CITY, CEBU — The runway at Bench Fashion Week (BFW) Spring/Summer 2026 became a showcase of Cebuano grace as two of the province’s most accomplished beauty queens, Apriel Smith and Nicole Borromeo, proved they were ready for the national stage. The three-day fashion event, held from April 17 to 19, brought together the country's most anticipated Miss Universe Philippines 2026 candidates alongside top models, celebrities, and fashion industry veterans.
A Fusion of Fashion and Pageantry
The Cebuana delegates took center stage during the much-anticipated "Bench Body" show, the grand finale of the fashion week. The segment, which merged fashion and beauty, saw the queens ruling the runway in stylized undergarments and intimate apparel from the homegrown brand. They joined a star-studded lineup of titleholders, including Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach and Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee, in a powerful celebration of Filipino beauty and confidence.
A Tale of Two Queens
While both candidates turned heads with their commanding walks, their individual journeys add to the intrigue of their runway appearances.
Apriel Smith, representing Cebu City, is a seasoned competitor with a rich history in national pageantry. A former Binibining Cebu 2017 titleholder, she previously placed in the Top 15 of Binibining Pilipinas 2016 and achieved a Top 16 finish at Miss Universe Philippines 2020. Smith’s strong performance at BFW comes on the heels of her advancing to the Top 31 of the Miss Universe Philippines 2026 competition, alongside Nicole Borromeo, as confirmed by the pageant's organizers on April 18, 2026.
Nicole Borromeo, representing Cebu Province, brings a wealth of international experience to the runway. Appointed alongside Smith as Cebu’s representative for Miss Universe Philippines 2026, Borromeo was crowned Binibining Pilipinas International 2022. She went on to represent the country at the Miss International 2023 competition in Tokyo, where she finished as a third runner-up, showcasing her global appeal.
Bench Fashion Week: A Cultural Phenomenon
Bench Fashion Week 2026 was more than just a runway show; it was a cultural moment that bridged the worlds of fashion and pageantry. The event featured a constellation of queens from different eras, highlighting the brand's deep cultural connection with the Filipino public. The Bench Body show, which ended the three-day spectacle, was the perfect stage for Cebu’s queens to demonstrate their poise and star power ahead of the upcoming national pageant finals.
What’s Next for the Cebuana Queens?
With the Miss Universe Philippines 2026 coronation night scheduled for May 2 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, the Cebuana bets are now more visible than ever. Their performance at the Bench Fashion Week 2026 has solidified their status as strong contenders, carrying with them the hopes and pride of the Cebuano people as they continue their journey to the crown.
