KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — Eighteen aspiring candidates have advanced to the physical screening stage for the T’nalak Queen 2026 pageant, one of the most anticipated highlights of this year’s T’nalak Festival celebration in South Cotabato.
According to T’nalak Queen Committee Chair Francis Cerbo, a total of 22 entries were submitted before the May 25 deadline, with 18 applicants moving forward to the next phase of the selection process. The physical screening was held last June 5 at the South Cotabato Gymnasium and Cultural Center in Koronadal City.
Cerbo emphasized that the committee is committed to selecting deserving candidates who will represent their respective local government units and advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community. The pageant, now in its third year, has become a significant platform for raising awareness and promoting inclusivity within the region.
Candidates come from various municipalities and cities across South Cotabato, including Tantangan, Koronadal City, Polomolok, Tampakan, Lake Sebu, T’boli, Norala, Surallah, Tupi, Sto. Nino, and Banga — making it a truly province-wide celebration of talent and advocacy.
The T’nalak Queen coronation night is scheduled on July 6 at 7:00 p.m. at the Rakrakan Stage in front of the South Cotabato Sports Complex along Alunan Avenue in Koronadal City. The event is open to the public and free to attend.
Cerbo noted that only fully qualified aspirants will earn their spot among the official candidates. “From the 18, they will still undergo elimination. If all are qualified, all 18 may become official candidates. But if some need further evaluation, we will cut off and only the deserving ones will become official candidates of T’nalak Queen,” he explained.
The pageant winner will receive cash prizes, vouchers, and sponsorship packages from various partners, including Philippine Airlines, tourism establishments, hotels, and resorts across the SOCCSKSARGEN region.
The T’nalak Festival is South Cotabato’s premier annual event, celebrating the province’s rich cultural heritage through various activities including sports events, trade fairs, and cultural presentations. For organizations and groups participating in the festival, custom event shirts and team uniforms are a great way to showcase group identity and festival spirit. The festival provides an excellent opportunity for local organizations, barangays, and municipalities to order custom-printed shirts for their contingents and supporters.
With the pageant nearing, anticipation continues to build among Koronadalenos and South Cotabatenos alike. The T’nalak Queen 2026 promises to be a spectacular showcase of advocacy, beauty, and community pride — all set against the vibrant backdrop of the 60th Foundation Anniversary of South Cotabato and the 27th T’nalak Festival.