Melyssa Gaile Estandarte, 18, a Grade 12 HUMSS student at Don Bosco Technical Institute-Victorias Inc., bested 11 other candidates and was crowned as Sidlak Kadalag-an Queen 2026 during the grand coronation night at the Victorias City public plaza March 21.
Estandarte proved that age is just a number after acing various rounds in the competition and winning several corporate and minor awards, including Moy Builders Choice Award, Miss Coca-Cola, Darling of Social Media, Best in Talent, and Best in Swimwear.
Reese Ledesma was crowned 1st runner-up, and Regeena Yzabiel Dela Cruz as 2nd runner-up.
Dela Cruz was among the crowd favorites, winning McDonald’s Choice Award, Miss Dr. Care, and Best in Evening Gown. She also wore the costume that won for Rico Jornadal the Best Festival Costume Designer award for the creative depiction of Dugong, from hit Fantaserye ‘Marina’, the city said in a press release March 22.
In a Femme Fatale-themed show, the 12 candidates embodied the strength and grit of beloved femme fatale characters as they opened with a Charlie’s Angels-inspired production number, together with reigning Sidlak Kadalag-an Queen and Lin-ay sang Victorias 2026 Natasha Francinn Myles Soriano.
They competed in three major rounds during the coronation night – a Kill Bill-inspired swimwear competition; the preliminary Q&A, where they were asked questions about the superhero or villain they featured in their festival costumes; and they stepped on stage with grace and elegance during the evening gown competition.
The Top 6 included Ma. Sherilou Ann Generales, Krysten Kyt Gumboc, and wildcard finalist Shane Combate, who automatically earned her spot after ranking the highest during the preliminaries.
Several awards were also given to the rest of the candidates, including Katch Choice Award for Shane Combate, Miss Madz & Neneng received by Ashley Bernadeth De Asis, Miss Congeniality Asha Jill Bedonia, and Best in Festival Costume for Ma. Sherilou Ann Generales.
Fleonize Tudeja took home the Miss Hikari, Best in Opening Production Number, and Miss Photogenic awards.
The first Filipina to hold the Miss Grand International title, CJ Opiaza, graced the coronation night as chairman of the Selection Committee, with Lin-ay sang Negros 2023 Alliah Janine Al Rashid, Miss Universe Philippines Bacolod 2025 Louise Lian Bobe, overall Lin-ay sang Negros coordinator Stephanie Abarro-Sorbito, and Murcia first lady Bernie Rubin-Rojas in the panel of judges.
Asia’s Soul Star Duncan Ramos also got the huge crowd to sing hit OPM classics as he serenaded the candidates.
The staging of Sidlak Kadalag-an Queen 2026 was spearheaded by the Victorias City Information Office and remains as one of the most anticipated events of the Kadalag-an Festival. ||
