MANILA, Philippines — October 2026 — House of Yugen, the international pageant, fashion, and talent management company led by President and National Director Josh Yugen and Managing Director Ian Borromeo, welcomes three Miss Universe national titleholders to Manila as part of its continuing commitment to Filipino pageant excellence and held a press conference at Byron’s at 134 in Tagaytay City.
Miss Universe Pakistan 2026 Misbah Arshad, Miss Universe Egypt 2026 Sonia Gergis, and Miss Universe Sweden 2026 Josefin Strand are in the Philippines to undergo specialized preparation with some of the country’s most respected pageant coaches, designers, photographers, stylists, and beauty professionals.
Their visit coincides with the highly anticipated Face of the Philippines Season 2 Grand Finals, another milestone for House of Yugen in its mission to discover Filipino talent and connect it with international opportunities.
The Philippines: house of pageant excellence
Since 2022, House of Yugen has brought its international beauty queens to Manila for intensive pageant preparation, recognizing the Philippines as one of the world’s leading destinations for beauty pageant training.
The results speak to the strength of this approach. House of Yugen’s international franchise delegations have achieved notable Miss Universe placements, including Miss Universe Pakistan in 2023, Miss Universe Egypt in 2024, and Miss Universe Paraguay in 2025.
Behind these achievements is a remarkable Filipino creative community whose expertise extends far beyond beauty. From stage presence, communication, and runway training to wardrobe development, photography, styling, and overall competition strategy, Filipino professionals understand the demands of pageantry with a unique combination of technical excellence, cultural sensitivity, and genuine passion.
House of Yugen has worked with respected Filipino pageant coaches and mentors, including Ian Lorenz, MUSE by Anton, and Tita Laviña, alongside fashion stylist Patrick Henry.
Its creative network includes internationally recognized and established designers such as Furne Amato, Rian Fernandez, Francis Libiran, RAU, Angela Taloza, Manny Halasan, YEYE, Chynna Mamawal, Louis Pangilinan, Carla Fuentes, Harvey Cenith, and Chico Esteva.
Costume designers Simeon Cayetano and Axel Que, photographers Jayson Isaac, Niccolo Cosme, and Kyle Magsino, as well as a deep pool of Filipino makeup artists and hairstylists, further demonstrate the breadth of local talent supporting its queens.
For House of Yugen, bringing international titleholders to the Philippines is more than a training strategy. It is a recognition of the country’s ability to shape confident, competitive, and globally prepared women.
Meet the three Miss Universe titleholders
Misbah Arshad — Miss Universe Pakistan 2026
Misbah Arshad represents Pakistan in the 2026 Miss Universe competition. As her country’s titleholder, she carries the responsibility of representing Pakistan’s identity, aspirations, and diversity on one of the world’s most prominent beauty pageant stages. Her Manila preparation forms part of House of Yugen’s continued commitment to developing Pakistan’s international pageant representation through Filipino expertise.
Sonia Gergis — Miss Universe Egypt 2026
Sonia Gergis represents Egypt at Miss Universe 2026. Returning to the international spotlight after earning recognition in Egypt’s national pageant circuit, she enters her preparation with the ambition of elevating Egypt’s presence on the global stage. Her training in the Philippines brings together the experience of Filipino pageant professionals and House of Yugen’s international competition strategy.
Josefin Strand — Miss Universe Sweden 2026
Josefin Strand represents Sweden at Miss Universe 2026. As the Swedish titleholder, she brings her own perspective and national identity to the competition while preparing to meet the demands of the international stage. Her Manila training reflects the growing connection between European pageant franchises and the Philippines’ established beauty and fashion industries.
Josh Yugen: building winners through Filipino expertise
For Josh Yugen, President of House of Yugen and owner of its Miss Universe national franchises, the Philippines has become an essential part of the organization’s international pageant strategy.
“Since 2022, we have consistently brought our queens to Manila because we believe the Philippines is home to some of the world’s finest pageant talent. Filipino coaches, designers, photographers, and beauty professionals understand pageantry from the heart. They know that preparing a queen is not simply about creating a beautiful image; it is about developing her confidence, individuality, communication, and ability to represent her country.
“Our placements in Miss Universe demonstrate the value of this collaboration. We are proud to bring queens from different parts of the world to the Philippines and to showcase the extraordinary talent our country has to offer internationally.”
Dr. Jonas Apostol: supporting confidence on the global stage
As a business partner and dental sponsor of the Miss Universe queens, Dr. Jonas Apostol shares House of Yugen’s commitment to supporting women as they prepare for international competition.
“Representing your country on the international stage requires preparation, discipline, and confidence. We are proud to support these queens as they pursue their dreams and to be part of a team that believes in their potential. For us, supporting their journey goes beyond aesthetics. It is about helping them feel confident, prepared, and empowered as they represent their respective nations.”
Through partnerships such as this, House of Yugen continues to bring together businesses, creative professionals, and international pageant organizations to support its queens throughout their journey.
Face of the Philippines Season 2: a bigger platform for Filipino talent
While international queens train in Manila, House of Yugen is preparing to crown the next winner of Face of the Philippines Season 2, an emerging platform for Filipino models seeking international representation. This edition is presented by ROKID Philippines and Blumii by Arci Muñoz.
Now in its second year under House of Yugen, the competition continues to grow in scale, visibility, and industry recognition. It brings together aspiring models, established fashion and beauty personalities, creative professionals, and commercial partners with a shared goal: to create meaningful opportunities for Filipino talent.
The competition is affiliated with Face of Asia, part of South Korea’s Asia Model Festival ecosystem, providing a pathway for the Philippine winner to represent the country internationally.
From the Philippines to South Korea
The Face of the Philippines Season 2 winner will receive an exclusive management contract with House of Yugen, a digital cover feature with Xpedition Magazine, and an all-expenses-paid, two-week trip to South Korea to represent the Philippines at Face of Asia — Asia Model Festival 2026.
The prize package is designed to give the winner more than a title. It offers an opportunity to gain international exposure, experience a major Asian fashion and modeling platform, and begin a professional relationship with a company working across fashion, entertainment, media, and international talent development.
The inaugural winners, Jamila San and Haruhiko Lim, established the competition’s first chapter. Season 2 builds on their legacy while seeking to expand the platform’s reach and impact.
A distinguished panel of judges
The Season 2 Grand Finals will bring together international pageant titleholders, fashion and photography professionals, industry executives, and representatives of the Asian modeling industry.
The announced judging panel includes the three Miss Universe titleholders from Sweden, Egypt, and Pakistan; Miss Grand Pakistan 2026 Zara; Miss World Philippines Gwen; photographer and creative director Niccolo Cosme; Elaine Apostol; Raulene, representing Asia Model Festival; Dr. Jonas Apostol; and Josh Yugen.
Their collective perspectives will help identify a winner who demonstrates not only physical presentation, but also confidence, professionalism, versatility, and the potential to succeed in international modeling.
Ian Borromeo: empowering Filipino talent beyond borders
For Ian Borromeo, Managing Director of House of Yugen, the competition represents the organization’s continuing investment in the future of the Philippine fashion and modeling industries.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who continues to support House of Yugen and Face of the Philippines. Our goal has always been to empower local talent, provide Filipino models with meaningful opportunities, and create platforms that allow them to be seen and recognized internationally.
“We want our winners to understand that their journey does not end when they receive a crown or a title. It is the beginning of new opportunities, new experiences, and a chance to represent the Philippines on a much bigger stage. We are committed to building a platform that gives Filipino talent the support, exposure, and international connections they deserve.”
Partners who make the vision possible
Both the international pageant preparation program and Face of the Philippines Season 2 are supported by partners from the fields of technology, fashion, hospitality, dining, beauty, and creative production.
ROKID, BLUMII, AND GIRASOL are among the key partners supporting the initiative, with ROKID and BLUMII highlighted as cash sponsors alongside Girasol’s competition partnership.
Their support helps strengthen the platform and its ability to create opportunities for participating talent.
Additional partners include Apostello, Apostol Dental, High1 Resort Korea, Pizzeria Saletta, Byron’s at 134, and Midnight Dream Studio.
Together, these partnerships reflect the collaborative ecosystem required to develop talent, stage meaningful events, and connect the Philippine creative industry with international opportunities.
A shared vision for the future
From preparing international Miss Universe titleholders in Manila to sending Filipino models to South Korea, House of Yugen continues to build bridges between the Philippines and the global fashion, beauty, and entertainment industries.
The organization’s mission is rooted in a simple belief: Filipino talent deserves not only recognition at home, but also the opportunity to compete, create, and succeed internationally.
As the three Miss Universe queens continue their preparation and Face of the Philippines Season 2 approaches its Grand Finals, House of Yugen is reinforcing its position as a platform for international pageant development and Filipino talent empowerment.
The Philippines is not simply where queens prepare. It is where talent is developed, confidence is built, and international dreams begin.
About House of Yugen
House of Yugen is an international pageant, fashion, media, and talent organization focused on developing talent, managing international pageant franchises, and creating cross-border opportunities in beauty, fashion, and entertainment. Through its international partnerships and local initiatives, the company connects Filipino creative expertise with global platforms while championing talent from the Philippines and around the world. [PR]
Leave a Reply