AJ Lacson of Sto. Tomas was crowned Mister Pampanga 2026 on Saturday night, May 9, at the Eastgate Convention Center after outperforming 21 other outstanding candidates to claim the province’s most prestigious male pageant title. He now succeeds last edition’s winner, Krishna Yasser Rodriguez.
Lacson will represent Pampanga in the upcoming edition of Mister Pilipinas Worldwide.
Dalton Leerhoi Mendoza of Lubao was named 1st runner-up and was given the title Mister Pampanga 2026 Tourism Universe. Second runner-up was Christian Manalo of Mexico who got the title of Mister Pampanga 2026 World. Dhave Dyoco of the City of San Fernando was 3rd runner-up and will represent Pampanga in the next edition of Icon Philippines. Lastly, Samuel Surry of Magalang was 4th runner-up and will represent the province in Teen Philippines next month in Baguio City.
Meanwhile, instead of 5 titles, the pageant gave out two more special titles. RJ Perkins of Angeles City and Edwards Santos of Guagua (both were part of the Top 12 but failed to make the final cut) were named Face of Mister Pampanga 2026 and Mister Pampanga Tourism Island, respectively.
Meanwhile, instead of 5 titles (so the top
The Top 12 also included Bacolor’s Edzel Nicdao who automatically got in the Top 12 for receiving the Best Advocacy award. The same happened to Perkins for being the People’s Choice awardee. Others who made the Top 12 were Alvin Bautista (Sta. Rita), Jolo Eries Basa Babor (San Luis), Josh Gonzales (Masantol), and Axel Hero Hipolito (Macabebe).
Major awards that were given out include Best in Local Costume (Magalang), Best in Summer Wear (Sto. Tomas), Best in Casual Wear (City of San Fernando), Best in Formal Wear (City of San Fernando), Best in Advocacy (Bacolor), and People’s Choice Award (Angeles City).
The coronation night didn’t end without some boo boos. A Steve Harvey moment happened when the hosts mistakenly called the representative of Sta. Ana (instead of Sta. Rita) into the Top 12. It was immediately corrected, though, but not until Mister Sta. Ana already walked to the front of the stage, ready to answer some questions from the hosts.