• A. V. DEL CARMEN
Tourism student Elisha Krizzle Escultura, 20, bested eight other candidates to convincingly win the Lin-ay sang Cauayan 2025 title.
The pageant was held at the Cauayan Arts Center on Jan. 21 as a highlight of the 25th Lubay-Lubay Festival of the town.
She represented the cluster of Barangays Basak, Masaling and Calling.
Her triumph replicates the feat of her eldest sister Kate, who was crowned Lin-ay sang Cauayan in 2018.
Her court was composed of Gillian Villaflor (Tomina and Guiljungan), Miss Tourism; Kyla Moises (Elijan and Inayauan), Miss Charity, and runners-up Micah Keren Pico (Abaca & Poblacion), and Andri Daen Gallos (Tambad, Man-uling & Isio).
The new Lin-ay sang Cauayan, who stands 5’7”, won at least 13 special and corporate award enroute to taking the title. These awards are Ms. El Tzino, Ms. C&C Cafe, Ms. JFU Construction, Ms. Ang Bata Hardware, Miss Novanne Ventures Construction Corporation, Ms. Prince Hypermart, Miss Aria Beach Resort, Ms. Hope for Human Care Foundation Inc., Miss Photogenic, Best in Festival Attire, Best in Swimsuit and Best in Gown.
Krizzle is the third of the five children of Edmund Escultura – a native of Caliling, Cauayan and an OFW in Macau – and his wife, the former Mary Kathrine Sison Pugal.
Her other siblings are Joed, Edz and Yanna. The Esculturas reside in Barangay Bata, Bacolod City.
She was crowned by outgoing queen Princess Togonon, who will represent the southern town in this year’s Lin-ay sang Negros search.
Krizzle was selected by a panel of judges led by Miss Universe Philippines Beatriz Luigi Gomez, who landed in the Top Five of Miss Universe 2021, and reigning Lin-ay sang Negros Kyla Rose Romarate.
Describing herself as a “pageant returnee”, Krizzle believes her previous experience gave her enough self- confidence in this year’s competition.
She was first runner-up in the Lin-ay sang Cauayan 2023 competition won by Zoe Clarisse Limson, who went on to place second in last year’s Lin-ay sang Negros pageant.
Krizzle is pursuing an online course with the Metro Manila-based Canadian Tourism and Hospitality Institute.
She studied at Domingo Lacson National High School and completed her Senior High education at STI West Negros University.
She has done modeling engagements in various events, including the Model of Bacolod Fashion Week, Sugarlandia Fashion Week and Negros Fashion Fest events.
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Negros Weekly had a quick Q&A with the new Lin-ay sang Cauayan.
What do you think made you win?
I think my greatest advantage this year was my being a pageant returnee. Confidence doesn’t just come from knowing your strengths, but also from accepting your flaws and using them as fuel for growth.
It shows resilience and a willingness to improve. I have this strong desire to win the crown for the second time around.
It wasn’t easy, as my winning moment was a testament to experience, hard work, and strong dedication. That might have been my edge over the other candidates, but I’ve seen how each one of us was truly deserving of the crown.
Do you have activities in the community?
Our family has always believes in giving back to those in need, especially during times of crisis. Recently, we provided relief goods to families who have been severely affected by the drought and the devastating typhoon.
Also, whenever one of us celebrates a birthday, we try to give back in a simple yet meaningful way. We often give food to people on the streets or feed stray dogs in our neighborhood.
What does the Lin-ay title mean to you?
Being crowned as Lin-ay Sang Cauayan 2025 is an incredible honor and a moment that holds deep significance for me. It means representing the beauty, strength, and resilience of my hometown, Cauayan.
This title isn’t just about the crown I wear, but the responsibility that comes with it. It’s about carrying the pride of my community and using this platform to create a positive change.
It’s also a chance to inspire others, especially the youth, to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams.
This title will be a reminder of how far I’ve come, the lessons I’ve learned, and the impact I hope to make moving forward.
What do you want to accomplish these days?
At the moment, my greatest ambition is to travel the world with my family, just like we did last holiday.
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In her message, which she posted on Facebook right after her coronation, she thanked God, family, friends, fellow candidates and supporters as she shared: “Here I am today, holding the crown not as a symbol of just victory, but of resilience, growth, and unwavering belief in myself.
“This moment didn’t come easy—it was built on lessons learned from failure, from picking myself up after falling, and from continuing to push when the world seemed to say ‘it’s not your time.’”
She concluded her lengthy post with this thought: “Cauayan, there’s still a lot of things to improve but I will make you all proud!” | NWI
