Asia Rose Simpson’s ‘BWAP’ project gets Miss World 2026 nod

Asia Rose Simpson, the Philippines’ delegate to the 2026 Miss World pageant in Vietnam, continues to make huge strides in the competition with yet another recognition.

At the gala hosted on Monday, Aug. 31, the pageant announced which “Beauty with a Purpose” projects are among the best, and hers was included in the Top 6 for her group.

The 111 delegates are split into four regional groupings, and the Philippines is in the Asia and Oceania group. Six projects were also shortlisted each for Africa, the Americas and Caribbean, and Europe.

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For Asia and Oceania, Simpson was joined by Samanzar Sayeed from Bangladesh, Taanusiya Chetty from Malaysia, Luna Luitel from Nepal, Prathibia Liyanaarachchi from Sri Lanka, and host delegate Le Nguyen Bao Ngoc from Vietnam.

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Simpson also performed that evening the contemporary dance routine she presented at the Talent Competition held earlier, where she copped the second runner-up spot.

The auction piece she brought to the gala, meanwhile, fetched $10,000. It was a mixed medium work with crocheted figures she did herself, and a backing piece of capiz and other shells by a local artist. Simpson titled it “Uncle” and is a tribute to her late uncle and his family.

Simpson had already secured her spot in the Top 40 by winning the “Head-to-Head” Challenge for Asia and Oceania. The winners in the four regional groups automatically earned placements in the quarterfinals.

She was also among the semifinalists in her continental group in the Top Model competition, and was one of the overall finalists in the Sports Challenge.

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Simpson is competing to become the second Filipino woman to win the Miss World title, 13 years since Megan Young scored the Philippines’ first victory in the international pageant.

This year, the Miss World pageant is holding its 73rd edition to mark its 75th anniversary. The coronation night will be on Sept. 5. Reigning queen Opal Suchata Chuangsri of Thailand will crown her successor at the end of the competition.