Photo from Facebook/@JanineGutierrezOfficial
MANILA — Actress Janine Gutierrez has been named the “Sexiest Woman Alive” for 2026 by Esquire Philippines, marking the magazine’s first conferment of the title in seven years. The announcement, unveiled on March 17, 2026, positions Gutierrez as the successor to 2018 Miss Universe Catriona Gray.
A Legacy of ‘Knockouts’
In her acceptance, Gutierrez formally dedicated the recognition to her late grandmother, the legendary performer Pilita Corrales, who died on April 12, 2025. Gutierrez recalled that Corrales, “Asia’s Queen of Songs,” was the first person to describe her as a “knockout”, a term the actress later understood as a synonym for sexiness.
“Mamita would have loved this,” Gutierrez told reporters in Mandaluyong. She noted that Corrales’ own brand of feminine strength, including her signature “liyad” stage posture, served as her primary blueprint for confidence.
Redefining ‘Sexy’
Editor-in-Chief PJ Caña stated the selection reflects a shift toward “polished, talented, and fiercely independent” modern womanhood. Gutierrez echoed this, defining sexiness as “being brave and parang for me authentic to who you are as a woman – the good and the bad.”
Political Advocacy
Gutierrez used the unveiling to address recent controversy involving Quezon City Representative Bong Suntay, following “misogynistic” remarks he made about actress Anne Curtis-Smith during a House panel. “It is disgusting for that to be said out loud anywhere, more so in a place of power,” Gutierrez stated, praising Curtis-Smith for speaking up on behalf of all women facing harassment.
