Cainta educator named first official candidate for Mrs. Philippines Asia Pacific 2026

CAINTA, Rizal — Cainta Senior High School educator and sports leader Maria De Luz C. Balubar has secured a spot in the official Top 33 candidates of the Mrs. Philippines Asia Pacific 2026 pageant after being named the first official candidate during the national screenings.

Balubar, who is also known as "Del," was the first aspirant called by the selection committee during the national screenings held on June 29, making her the inaugural candidate in the competition's official roster.

As she prepares for the national pageant, Balubar said she intends to use the platform to promote the empowerment of abused women by encouraging them to continue their education through the Department of Education's Alternative Learning System (ALS).

"Education and physical wellness are powerful tools for reclaiming one's life and dignity," Balubar said. "Through DepEd ALS, we can give these resilient women a second chance at their dreams, while sports can provide them with the strength, confidence, and community they need to feel truly empowered again."

Although she has long been active behind the scenes as a pageant judge and mentor, this marks Balubar's first time to compete in a national beauty pageant. She also mentors her daughter, who recently finished as first runner-up in the Ms. MCU Med Tech pageant.

Outside the pageant industry, Balubar serves as a high school teacher at Cainta Senior High School. During the 2025–2026 school year, she also worked as a sports coach in Cainta and served as a tennis official during the Regional Athletic Association Meet (RAAM).

Academically, Balubar is pursuing a Doctor of Education Management degree at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP). She also holds a Master in Communication degree from the same university.

Balubar will compete alongside 32 other married women and mothers for the Mrs. Philippines Asia Pacific 2026 crown.

The competition's Pre-Pageant Night is scheduled on Aug. 27, while the Grand Coronation Night will be held on Aug. 29 at Okada Manila.

The winner of the national pageant will represent the Philippines in the international competition.