Miss Malaybalay 2026 Official Portraits

MISS MALAYBALAY 2026 OFFICIAL PORTRAITS

Banig: A Tribute to Woven Heritage 

As the City of 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐲 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝟐𝟖 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 of continuous growth, culture, and pride, the community reflects on a journey that has shaped the vibrant city it is today. In honor of this milestone, Miss Malaybalay 2026 presents its official portrait theme, Banig — a symbol deeply rooted in Filipino culture.

Handwoven with care and patience, the banig reflects the beauty of tradition and the stories of communities that have preserved this craft for generations.

In Bukidnon, the art of weaving carries a deeper cultural meaning. The Bukidnon, Higaonon, and Talaandig tribes have long built their lives around the Tagoloan River, whose headwaters begin in Malaybalay—nurturing not only the land, but also the identity, traditions, and stories of its people. Among these traditions is the weaving of ikam, handcrafted from sodsod grass, a practice that reflects patience, unity, and resilience.

The banig used as the backdrop for this year’s official portraits was crafted by 𝐁𝐚𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐧𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐦 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐑𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐬 𝐆𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐡𝐨𝐧, a Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (National Living Treasure) awardee, whose mastery in ikam weaving continues to preserve and represent the rich cultural heritage of Bukidnon.

Complementing the cultural backdrop, the candidates’ wardrobe is thoughtfully crafted by visionary designer 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐥 𝐃𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 of 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐥 𝐃𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐬, bringing contemporary elegance that harmonizes with the textures and traditions.

These portraits honor a culture that continues to be lived, preserved, and carried forward by the community.

𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐲 - 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞

Designer: Juniel Doring of JDD Fashion Design
Creative Director: Mark Ian M. Mukara of AOG Creative Design
Stage Director: Kim Moreno
Photo | Video: Series One Media Production

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