• THERESA MAE DULMAN
Fifteen out of 61 barangays of Bacolod are represented in this year’s Miss Bacolod MassKara, with the grand coronation night set Oct. 11 at STI-West Negros University gymnasium.
This is the first time that a Miss MassKara candidate carries not only her own identity but also the pride of her barangay, the pageant organizer said.
The official contenders are Aleyssa Dionio (Alijis), Hannah Damasco (Barangay 29), Margarette Ymballa (Taculing), Jasper Anne Lucero (Mandalagan), Ma. Zonora Ellyssa Curaza (Sum-ag), Eurica Cielo Abarro (Estefania), Ashley Nicole Andrade (Granada);
Jeaven Icy Musni (Tangub), Julie Mikayla Borja (Mansilingan), Lourdeth Codico (Barangay Bata), Macy Alaine Albarico (Singcang), Daniella Louisse Merelos (Barangay 32), Krizza May Fernando (Cabug), Zoe Dorothy Ardiente (Villamonte), and Kyla Aligaga (Pahanocoy).
“This year, we are excited and very thrilled because this is gonna be the first time that each candidate will represent a barangay,” pageant director Terry Conlu said in a press conference Sept. 30.
The pageant’s official lineup of activities will kick off tomorrow, Oct. 2, with the talent competition and press presentation at Ayala Malls Capitol Central.
The festival costume competition will follow on Oct. 4, and a corporate day on Oct. 9, both at the same venue.
Conlu said the theme for the evening gown competition will be based on the Bacolod Heritage Plaza, and will feature a black-and-white motif.
The new queen will succeed Miss Bacolod MassKara 2025 Sophia Kaye Zaragoza, and will bring home P150,000 in cash prize. The first runner-up will receive P100,000, and P50,000 for the second runner-up. | TMD
