The Philippines scored a major victory at Top Model of Universe 2026 as Merianne Gabrielle Dekit captured the top title in the female division of the international modeling competition held in Istanbul, Türkiye.
The grand final was held on September 18, 2026 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul Piyalepaşa, bringing together models from different countries for the international competition.
Dekit bested 23 other female delegates, becoming the first Filipino woman to win the female Top Model of Universe title.
Merianne Gabrielle Dekit Wins for the Philippines
Dekit made Philippine pageant history with her victory.
She was the first Filipina to compete in the female category of Top Model of Universe, making her achievement even more memorable as the Philippines won the crown on its first attempt in the division.
Before the finals, Dekit had already made her presence felt in the competition. She topped the pageant’s online popularity poll before eventually taking home the main crown.
Her victory added another international title to the Philippines’ strong pageant showing in 2026.
Top Model of Universe 2026 Male Winner
In the men’s competition, host country Türkiye captured the main title.
Murat Cakin of Türkiye was named Mister Top Model of Universe 2026, while the Philippines also achieved a strong finish through Julius Cesar “Czar” Olivar, who was named first runner-up.
Olivar competed as Top Model of Universe Philippine Islands 2026.
Kristzan Delos Santos Wins Continental Title
The Philippines actually had two representatives competing in the men’s category.
Aside from Olivar, Kristzan Karlo Delos Santos also represented the country and was awarded the continental title Mister Top Model of Universe Asia 2026.
Delos Santos had already impressed during the preliminary activities of the competition, where his performance established him as one of the Philippines’ strongest bets.
His continental victory added another honor to the country’s successful campaign in Istanbul.
A Successful Campaign for the Philippines
The 2026 competition proved to be a successful one for the Philippine delegation.
Dekit’s victory gave the country the overall female crown, while Olivar finished first runner-up in the male competition. Delos Santos, meanwhile, secured the Asia continental title.
The results were particularly notable because the Philippines had two male delegates competing through separate national franchises.
With an overall crown, a first runner-up finish and a continental title, the Filipino models made their presence felt throughout the competition.
Top Model of Universe brings together international models in a competition focused on fashion, runway presentation and modeling.
The 2026 edition was staged in Istanbul, Türkiye, with the Philippines emerging as one of the most successful countries of the event.