Who Is Gwen Meliz? 5 Things About the Newly Crowned Binibining Pilipinas International 2026
She also won multiple special awards!
by Firas Abboud
Published on Jul 19, 2026
The 62nd edition of the Binibining Pilipinas has just come to a close and another batch of queens earned coveted crowns. Gwen Meliz of Baguio took home the title of Bb. Pilipinas International, while Sasha-Juli Lacuna of Tarlac was sashed Bb. Pilipinas Globe.
Gwen was consistently a force to be reckoned with, winning the following special awards: Binibining Philippine Airlines, Binibining Urban Smiles, Best in Swimsuit, and Best in Evening Gown. Her stunning and dramatic embellished evening gown was by Rian Fernandez.
For her final hurdle, Gwen gave a heartfelt response to the question: “What future do you envision for yourself, and how will a Binibining Pilipinas title help you get to that destination?”
“I envision to be an aspirational leader. And with the Binibini crown, hopefully I get to inspire other people to believe in the beauty of their dreams and to be faithful. I’m here now not because of my own strength, not because of my own beauty and skills, but only by the grace of God. And I am here to share that hope, that message, that hopefully, even after this and beyond the crown, I will be remembered as someone who has a big faith and a big heart.”
True to its slogan of "Once a Binibini, always a Binibini," the pageant was hosted by former titleholders Catriona Gray, Nicole Cordoves, Mary Jean Lastimosa, and Miriam Quiambao.
Who Is Gwen Meliz? 5 Things About the Newly Crowned Binibining Pilipinas International 2026
1. She is a Capricorn
Born on January 11 in 1999, Gwendoline Meliz Frias Soriano is an alumna of the Trinity University of Asia and Saint Louis University. She has a degree in BA Communication.
2. She has extensive work experience
In addition to being an experienced beauty queen, Gwen has worked as a marketing associate, social media manager, and international property specialist. She is also a commercial model and actress.
3. She was supposed to compete at Bb. Pilipinas 2022
Due to personal reasons, Gwen unfortunately withdrew from Bb. Pilipinas in 2022. She then competed at Miss Universe Philippines in 2025 and finished in the top 12. After besting 34 candidates at Bb. Pilipinas 2026, Gwen will represent the Philippines at the Miss International 2027 pageant in Japan, in November 2027.
4. She advocates for cultural preservation and self-expression
A lover of the performing arts since her childhood and being a former member of her university’s dance troupe, Gwen champions both culture and storytelling. She also founded Project Beloved PH, which is a community that empowers the youth through outreach and volunteerism.
5. She is on Instagram and TikTok
Gwen loves to share her pageant journey and snippets of her life on social media. As she reigns and prepares for her international pageant, continue following her on Instagram (@gwenmeliz) and TikTok (@gwenmeliz).
Firas is an eclectic millennial whose life revolves around beauty, books, and banter. He is guided by Joan Didion and Carrie Bradshaw.