• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Jamaicah Bantigue gave Don Salvador Benedicto its first-ever Lin-ay sang Negros crown, and said April 19 that she hopes the win will “ignite hope, especially among our youth, that no dream is too distant (and) no voice too small”.
“To be a queen in this day and age is to be more than a symbol. It is to be a leader when it is difficult, an innovator when change is needed, and a challenger of norms that no longer serve our people,” Bantigue posted yesterday, following the grand coronation April 17 at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City.
“This journey was never just about beauty or competition. It has always been about impact. As a Psychology student from the University of St. La Salle Bacolod, I carry with me a deeper calling through my advocacy, You Matter – a movement rooted in compassion, awareness, and action. It is a call to recognize the urgent need for accessible mental health facilities, to remind every Negrense that their struggles are valid, and that their lives hold immeasurable worth,” she added.
Bantigue, who also won the Best in Talent and several corporate and special awards, said her victory is for Don Salvador Benedicto, “a historic first for our humble town, rooted in the mountains, and carried by the strength of our people.”
This crown will not sit still, she stressed as she vowed that “every platform I step on will echo purpose, that I will use this voice to uplift, to serve, and to inspire.”
Meanwhile, Lin-ay sang Kabankalan Johana Marie Oyog was crowned first runner-up and Best in Evening Gown, Lin-ay sang Talisay Kimberly Kate Payumo as second runner-up, Lin-ay sang Cauayan Elisha Krizzle Escultura – third runner-up, and Lin-ay sang Calatrava Glazel Bayona, fourth runner-up.
Lin-ay sang Bacolod Ysabella Wuthrich bagged the Best in Swimwear and Best in Festival Costume awards, Lin-ay sang Isabela Pamela Rodrigo – Best in Evening Gown Designer, Lin-ay sang San Carlos Charhaey Apatan – Best in Opening Production Number, Lin-ay sang Hinigaran Emirose Rull – Best in Festival Costume Designer, Lin-ay sang La Carlota Erish Jean Cascarro – People’s Choice Award, Lin-ay sang Murcia Sofia Ignalague – Miss Photogenic, and Lin-ay sang Valladolid Jonalyn Diamena – Miss Congeniality.
This year’s beauty pageant was the first time that all 32 cities and towns of Negros Occidental were represented, and one of the highlight events of the 30th Panaad sa Negros Festival that culminated April 19. | CGC
