Miss Iloilo 2026 candidate goes viral after costume catches fire on stage

• A contestant representing the town of Batad faced a frightening ordeal when her costume caught fire during the Miss Iloilo 2026 pageant held at a mall in Iloilo City on January 10
• The incident occurred during the ramp walk as smoke began emitting from the dome-shaped chimney piece of her costume before it suddenly burst into flames while she was spinning
• A quick-thinking colleague rushed onto the stage to remove the burning prop while the candidate continued her walk with remarkable composure as if nothing had happened
• Social media users have expressed their admiration for the contestant's professionalism and bravery during the event which is a major highlight of the annual Dinagyang Festival

The Miss Iloilo 2026 pageant took a dramatic turn on Saturday night, January 10, when a candidate's costume caught fire in front of a live audience. The event, held at a crowded mall in Iloilo City, was supposed to be a showcase of local talent and creativity, but it quickly became a viral moment of bravery.

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The contestant, representing the town of Batad, was wearing an elaborate outfit inspired by a chimney or dome. As she began her walk on the ramp, smoke was already visible coming from the top of her headpiece. The situation escalated quickly when she performed a spin, causing the costume to suddenly burst into bright orange flames.

While the audience gasped in shock, a colleague or stage hand immediately ran toward her. He managed to grab the burning part of the costume and carry it off the stage before any injuries could occur. Despite the heat and the danger, the candidate did not panic. She kept her smile and continued her walk down the ramp with total confidence.

Many netizens who saw the video were stunned by how she handled the pressure. Some netizens were impressed by the calmness shown by the contestant, noting that most people would have run away in fear. Instead, she chose to finish her performance, embodying the spirit of a true queen.

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The Miss Iloilo pageant is one of the most prestigious events in the region. It is held as part of the Iloilo Dinagyang Festival, a massive annual celebration in honor of Señor Santo Niño. The festival is known for its vibrant street dances and grand cultural performances, attracting tourists from all over the world.

The town of Batad, which the candidate represents, is known for its hardworking people and rich agricultural heritage. This resilient spirit was clearly on display during the pageant. By staying calm under fire, the contestant proved that her preparation went beyond just walking and posing; she was ready for any challenge the stage could throw at her.

While this pageant incident has dominated local conversations, other Miss Iloilo queens have also been making headlines recently for their personal journeys and achievements.

One of the most talked-about figures in the pageant world is Chelsea Manalo, who recently shared her thoughts on competing. In a report by Kami.com.ph, it was mentioned that Chelsea Manalo was allegedly not afraid of her competition. Her boldness and confidence have made her a favorite among fans who follow national and local pageantry.

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Another Miss Iloilo titleholder, Alexie Brooks, has also been in the news due to a more somber personal event. According to Kami.com.ph, Alexie Brooks previously grieved the death of her most beloved grandmother. The beauty queen shared her heartbreak with her followers, showing a more vulnerable side to her public persona.

Source: KAMI.com.gh