The 17 candidates vying for the Himaya Queen 2025 crown were finally introduced in a sashing ceremony at the jampacked Brgy. 1 Poblacion gymnasium in Himamaylan City Monday night, March 31.
They are Maria Teresa Banatasa of Brgy. Mambagaton, Jane Chloe Poblacion (Talaban), Alyssa Delgado (Saraet), Ellachristina KN Liboon (Brgy. 2), Rachel Mae Nepales (Libacao), Keith Justine Morales (Brgy. 1), Jocilla Villano Magbanua (To-oy), Althea Mhey Lim (Su-ay), Ruth Vea Llena (Carabalan);
Jae Mondia Endico (San Antonio), Relyn Soberano (Mahalang), Ashley Nicole Gareza (Brgy. 4), Shenette Leigh Lagahit (Nabalian), Gioliane Kharyl Ten (Cabanbanan), Princess Dyan Anacan (Brgy. 3), Joyce Mayordo (Buenavista), and Nea Lane More (Aguisan).
“Himaya Queen is not just a platform for ladies to showcase their beauty, wit, and talent. It is also a stepping stone for Himamaylanon beauty queens to join bigger national pageants,” Mayor Raymund Tongson said, who sashed each candidate, assisted by concerned barangay officials.
Drag Race Philippines Season 3 finalist Angel Galang astounded the audience with her fierce drag performance to cap off the show.
This year’s Himaya Queen will be crowned April 4 at the Brgy. 1 Poblacion gymnasium, with special guest celebrities – PBB Collab host Robi Domingo, heartthrob Joshua Garcia, and actress Pau Dimaranan.
A WEEK OF THANKSGIVING, CELEBRATING MILESTONES
“This is just the first day of Himaya Festival 2025,” Tongson said. “More stars and activities await festival goers, locals, and visitors alike, up until Sunday.”
He earlier said the festival, which kicked off March 31 with a mass to celebrate the city’s Charter Day at the City Hall lobby, will be a week of thanksgiving, celebrating milestones, and unity.
“This year’s Himaya will be all about giving thanks for the blessings we have received and celebrating our multiple milestones – regional and national – while uniting as one Himamaylan,” Tongson stressed.
HONORING FARMERS, PRODUCERS
“As we mark almost a year after the end of El Niño, we honor the resilience and determination of our farmers and producers through the agri-trade fair,” the mayor said.
The first day of the festival opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to launch the agri-trade fair at the refurbished Himamaylan public plaza, while the Carabao Parade started from the plaza to the fair venue.
On April 1, cooperatives and associations of farmers, fisherfolk, and producers joined the Rural-based Organizations Day, to highlight one of the backbones of the city.
Farmers and Young Farmers Day will be held today, April 2, while the Fiesta sa Uma is set on April 6.
STAR-STUDDED WEEK
The much-awaited Himaya Festival street dance competition on April 6 will start at the Old Public Market and will culminate with the arena dance competition at the Himamaylan National High School (HNHS) grounds.
Stars and up-and-coming artists and musicians will add entertainment and wow factor to the festival.
From April 1 to 6, disc jockeys and bands will entertain the night crowd in Himamaylan. In the lineup are DJ Iyo Gaudite, Yuya Band, Infinite Ridge Band, Inch Band, DJ Greg, DJ Saint, Shift Band, DJ Kate, DJ Murphy, and the HNHS Band.
PBB Gen 11 Big Winner Fyang Smith and fellow housemate JM Ibarra, Billboard Philippines Hot 100 chart-topper Dionela, and DJ Loonyo are set to close Himaya 2025 with grand fireworks display at the HNHS grounds on April 6. ||
