FEATURE: “If this kind of body can win, anyone can” — Miss Kalinga 2026 Rachel Baday reflects on pageantry journey

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Miss Kalinga (MK) 2026 Rachel Angela Baday reflected on her pageantry journey marked by sacrifice, online criticism, and unwavering self-belief during the Kalinga Day festivities in February, while also hinting at a possible bid on the regional stage.

Rachel was crowned during the coronation night on February 14, 2026, at the Kalinga Sports Complex, besting seven other candidates who vied for the prestigious crown. Miss Kalinga 2025, Fatima Rose Peralta, formally passed the crown to the new queen.

The MK 2026 Journey

In an interview with GURU Press Cordillera, Rachel emphasized that her victory was more than just a personal achievement, highlighting her message of inclusivity and self-acceptance.

“The main reason I joined the pageant is not only to represent my city but to represent girls who feel underrepresented—those who think they’re not beautiful, those with acne scars, dark underarms and insecurities, and everything people criticize. I see myself in them. So I want everyone to know that if this kind of body can win Miss Kalinga, anybody can win as well—and even do better,” she said.

The 2026 queen openly shared that she faced intense online bashing, even during the screening process. Hurtful remarks about her physical appearance circulated on social media, which she admitted affected her mental health and self-image.

“Na-alter yung pagtingin ko sa sarili ko. I couldn’t even look at myself in the mirror—pangit na pangit ako sa sarili ko that time,” she admitted.

Despite the criticism, Rachel said the experience strengthened her resolve and deepened her sense of purpose. Beyond social media scrutiny, she also balanced academic responsibilities while completing her on-the-job training (OJT), juggling her studies with pageant commitments.

Her Advocacy

Rachel’s advocacy has long centered on youth empowerment. However, her OJT experience at the CSWD Protective Division, where she handled cases involving delinquent youth, gave her advocacy a clearer direction. Witnessing these realities firsthand inspired her to focus specifically on addressing youth delinquency.

Beyond wearing the crown, she remains committed to advancing this cause.

She shared plans to conduct seminars in her barangay, saying, “Wala pang concrete plan, pero I am planning to coordinate with the PSWD and CSWD. This March, magpapa-seminar kami about youth delinquency, starting muna dito sa barangay namin in Laya East.”

Future Pageantry Plans

Looking ahead, Rachel revealed she is open to competing in regional pageantry should the opportunity arise, including a possible stint in Mr. and Miss Cordillera 2026.

“Maybe si Miss Kalinga 2025 ang kukunin or ako—hindi natin alam. But if they’re going to give me the opportunity to compete in the regionals, I would fully accept it,” she said.

The confident queen concluded with hopes that her journey would inspire others, especially young women, to believe in themselves.

“Sa mga aspiring beauty queens, bear in mind that joining pageantry is not just about glitz and glamour—it’s about sacrifice, discipline, and determination. Maraming hindi nakikita ang mga tao sa pageantry. What they see is only the big night, but they don’t see the struggles of the candidates. I hope my journey inspires you—that you feel empowered as I do.”