KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — Eighteen aspiring candidates have advanced to the physical screening 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 stage of the selection process. The physical screening was held on June 5 at the South Cotabato Gymnasium and Cultural Center.
Cerbo said the committee remains committed to selecting deserving candidates who will represent their respective local government units and entities while advocating for the LGBTQIA+ community.
"Ginbutang siya sa T'nalak Stage para mabatian sang kadamuan kag sang tanan-tanan ang mga sari-sari nga plataporma sang aton mga kandidata pag-abot sa LGBTQIA+ community kag pag-abot sa ila ginasulong nga rights," Cerbo said.
Candidates come from various municipalities and the lone city across South Cotabato, including Tantangan, City of Koronadal, Polomolok, Tampakan, Lake Sebu, T'boli, Norala, Surallah, Tupi, Sto. Niño, and Banga.
The T'nalak Queen coronation night is set for July 6 at 7:00 p.m. at the Rakrakan Stage located in front of the South Cotabato Sports Complex along Alunan Avenue, City of Koronadal. The event is open to the public and is now in its third year of staging.
Cerbo emphasized that only qualified aspirants will earn a place among the official candidates. From the 18 who advanced, further elimination rounds will determine the final lineup of official candidates.
The pageant winner will receive cash prizes, vouchers, and sponsorship packages from various partners, including Philippine Airlines, tourism establishments, hotels, and resorts across the region.
The T'nalak Festival, held every July in Koronadal City, is one of the most authentic ethnic festivals in the Philippines. It gets its name from "t'nalak," a colorful abaca cloth created and woven by the indigenous T'boli people of South Cotabato.
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