MALAYBALAY CITY — Newly crowned Miss Laga Ta Bukidnon 2026 Ross Lungayan did not run away from the online bashing that followed her pageant victory—she ran right through it.

Lungayan, a senior criminology student representing Valencia City, became the target of severe online backlash after her April 10 crowning. Several social media users openly questioned the pageant’s scoring, claiming the first runner-up was more deserving of the title.

But instead of retreating, Lungayan chose to move forward, quite literally, by using running as a source of clarity.

Spotted during the Kaamulan Street Dancing Competition on Saturday, Lungayan spoke about how she navigated the noise following the controversial win.

“Gi tulog nako dayon pagka morning, gi run nako, napalibotan sad ko'g positive nga mga people,” she told Gold Star Daily.

For Lungayan, running was not an escape. It was a way to steady herself, to breathe, and to maintain her momentum despite the heavy criticism.

During the pageant’s crucial question-and-answer portion, Lungayan spoke in her native tongue, Talaandig—a powerful reflection of her identity as a member of the indigenous community she proudly represents.

She said the harsh words did not hurt her because she knows she stood on that stage with pure intentions: to represent her tribe. Even unwarranted remarks about her physical appearance failed to shake her confidence.

“Disregard sa tanan kay wala sila kabalo sa akong kaugalingon,” she said.

Lungayan also dismissed rumors of backstage drama, clarifying that there is no bad blood among the candidates. The tension, she pointed out, exists solely among supporters engaging in heated online exchanges.

While she acknowledged receiving her P5,000 official cash prize, along with a P20,000 reward from the Valencia City government and an incentive from the Philippine College Foundation, she said that the money does not define her achievement.

Despite the sudden fame and public scrutiny, Lungayan remains grounded. Her primary focus is on finishing her criminology degree and passing the board examinations.

“[Blessed] kaayo ko kay naa gyapon naglaban sa ako, abi nako’g wala na. Abi nako’g kaugalingon ra nako ang mo fight,” she said, expressing deep gratitude to those who stood by her.

Lungayan ultimately earned the crown through her advocacy, encouraging young Lumad to embrace their roots and never hide their identity out of fear of discrimination.

As the online noise lingers, she just keeps moving forward—one run, one step, and one steady breath at a time.