Miss Bacolod MassKara 2024 officially started with a display of glitz and glamor from the 15 lovely candidates during the sashing ceremony at SM City Mall Sept. 29.
The ladies dazzled the jam-packed crowd while wearing their limited edition MassKCAREra Cynefin Collection shirts, courtesy of Mangkas Apparel.
All were impressive in presenting their advocacies, but it was Miss Bacolod MassKara No.7 Cindy Valencia, who impressed the media and was named Darling of the Press.
Valencia, a third year Business Administration student at the University of St. LaSalle, stood out with her advocacy to raise awareness and empowerment for Persons with Disabilities (PWD).
She said she plans to develop and enhance a school-based program for PWDs that she started at USLS.
“With this inherent project that I would propose, it would unlock a potential of a leading, developing Bacolod City, where no one will be left behind,” Valencia said.
Vying for the crown are candidates no. 1 Ella Gozon, no. 2 Quennie Kuan, no. 3 Sophia Kaye Zaragoza, no. 4 Angelica Gwen Tenero, no. 5 Princess Ella Olmilla;
Candidate No. 6 Jhudiel Micha Maris Lianda, no. 7 Cindy Valencia, no. 8 Bea Tricia De La Peña, no. 9 Mary Heloise Ginson, no. 10 Gesille Mae Sullivan;
Candidate No. 11 Gwyn Maricon Lopez, no. 12 Jasmine Mahilum, no. 13 Ed Marie Aguilar, no. 14 Cailah Jhane Delarma, and no. 15 Akeisha Nicole Nuarin.
Kuster Cadagat, secretary and festival director for Cultural and Accredited Events, said the spectators believe that this year’s Miss Bacolod MassKara candidates are competent enough to join pageants outside of the city.
“It is their personal belief that this year’s batch of Bacolodnon women is one of the strongest and most impressive in recent memory, strong enough to compete for and win national beauty pageant titles,” Cadagat said in a press release from Bacolod Yuhum Foundation, the festival’s organizer.
The ladies were also featured in a video where they shared insights about their advocacies, aspirations and other interests.
Up next for the candidates is the Talent Competition and Festival Costume Competition at the Ayala Malls Capitol Central on Oct. 5 and 12, respectively, and Corporate Day at SM City Bacolod on Oct. 13. ||
