MISS GOA INTERNATIONAL 2026 Hosts Its Historic First Edition in the United Kingdom

Founded by an influential team comprising Film Director and Emmy Voting Member Milroy Goés, Navayah Films, Cranford Community Counsellor Vilber De Costa, Jason Diniz of J&D Entertainment, and Event Architect Metroy Soares, MISS GOA INTERNATIONAL 2026 was envisioned as a global platform to elevate Goan identity, empower young women, and create meaningful pathways into film, media, culture, and brand partnerships. The Grand Finale was judged by an esteemed panel of celebrity judges, including Former UK Minister and MP, Silver Star Diabetes Chairman Rt. Hon. Keith Vaz, British actress Holly Prentice, international title holder Meurel Viegas, Heathrow Airport Lounge Manager Savio Terry, and Cancer Biologist and PhD Research Scholar Seazel Fernandes. Each contestant proudly represented a Taluka of Goa, wearing a sash title symbolising her roots, although two finalists — Rachael Dsouza and Leticia Colaço — were unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances.

The evening unfolded across three distinct rounds designed to showcase talent, confidence, and grace. In the Introduction Round, hosted by MC Madonna, each contestant introduced herself and her Goan heritage. The Talent Round followed, presenting a vibrant mix of dance, music, art, and spoken expression: performances by Erika Martha D’Costa, Natania Dias, Trisha Mascarenhas, Nizzal Rodrigues, Luanna Fernandes, and Fay Fernandes; a Konkani song by Delicia Pinto; a self‑expression speech by Adrina Desouza; a public speech by Winona Rebello; and a live painting titled Goa From the Window by Richelle Travassos. The final Question and Answer Round saw judges pose individual questions to each contestant, with scoring overseen by Lester Antao and final calculations completed by Mr Rajan Dewed, Former Director General of Police (India), UN Expert on eHealth, and Human Rights Advocate.

The event also honoured two distinguished Goan women for their exceptional contributions to Goan culinary heritage. Chef Carafina Pereira, founder of the iconic Martin’s Corner in Betalbatim, was felicitated by Rt. Hon. Keith Vaz and Romail Gulzar. Her journey from a humble home kitchen in Arossim to building one of Goa’s most celebrated culinary landmarks has shaped the state’s gastronomic identity for over three decades. Chef Ashney Rebello, a Vancouver‑based Goan chef, chocolatier, entrepreneur, writer, and cultural ambassador, was felicitated by Mr Rajan Dewed and Clayton Baretto. Founder of Ashney’s Artisan Company and Social & Cultural Director of the Goan Overseas Association of Vancouver, she continues to champion Goan cuisine and culture globally.

The event’s execution was led by Milroy Goés, with unwavering support from Vilber De Costa, who continued contributing even while travelling to Goa. Jason Diniz and Metroy Soares managed the complete event architecture under J&D Entertainment, delivering an elegant and seamless evening. The winners of MISS GOA INTERNATIONAL 2026 were then announced. The title winner, Miss Fay Fernandes (Miss Quepem), originally from Assolna and raised in the UK, impressed with her resilience and ambition. Currently studying Accounting & Finance, Fay previously reached the Top 10 at Miss Great Britain London and won the Miss Radiance Award. She was felicitated with a certificate by Rt. Hon. Keith Vaz, a sash by Holly Prentice, and crowned by Meurel Beverly Viegas.

The First Runner‑Up, Miss Luanna Fernandes, flew in from Goa just before the submission deadline. A professional footballer and model who represented Goa at Elite Model Look India and placed in the Top 8, Luanna’s determination brought her to the international stage. She received her certificate from Savio Terry, sash from Seazel Fernandes, and crown from Holly Prentice. The Second Runner‑Up, Miss Erika Martha D’Costa (Miss Salcete), originally from Chinchinim and now a cabin crew professional, drew from her global exposure to present confidence and adaptability. She was felicitated with a certificate by Romail Gulzar, sash by Jaz Sidhu of Phytoventra, and crowned by Seazel Fernandes.

MISS GOA INTERNATIONAL aims to position Goa not merely as a state but as a global brand. The founders envision opportunities in film, media, brand endorsements, and celebrity pathways for the winners. In an era where social media can create instant stardom, this pageant emphasises earned influence — crowns judged, awarded, and respected. A total prize fund of GBP 10,000 will be distributed among the three winners, further supporting their journey into global representation.