Miss Universe PH Winner Bea Millan-Windorski Faces Backlash Over Performative Activism

Bea Millan-Windorski may have just been crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2026, but she’s already under fire from those questioning her win.

The Filipino-American beauty queen will represent the Philippines at the upcoming 75th Miss Universe pageant this November in Puerto Rico. Although Millan-Windorski represented La Union during this year’s Miss Universe Philippines, critics have accused her of competing in the national competition despite representing the United States in Miss Earth 2024. Many have also questioned the legitimacy of her activism, labeling her participation in protests as performative.

Prior to competing in Miss Universe Philippines, Millan-Windorski was already an active member of the environmental group Panatang Luntian, under which she joined protests such as the Baha sa Luneta rally. Across her social media platforms, Millan-Windorski has emphasized the importance of climate justice, migrant workers, and government accountability. 

“I chose to pack my life into balikbayan boxes because I believe in the limitless potential of the Filipino people,” said the pageant queen as part of the Q&A section of Miss Universe Philippines’ coronation evening, “and the fact that we need to create local opportunities here so that people don’t have to go abroad and be separated from their families in order to stay. If I were to get the title of Miss Universe Philippines, I promise to be a public servant for all.”

Despite the criticism, many have also voiced their support for her Miss Universe Philippines win, including reigning Miss Philippines Earth Joy Barcoma. “[Millan-Windorski] is not an opportunist,” Barcoma wrote in an X post. “Don’t ever question her pagka-Pilipino dahil mas Pilipino pa sya kaysa mga pinanganak at tumira sa Pinas pero hindi man lang kayang bumoses at ipaglaban ang bansa.”