Jada Biaxyl Celeste of Barangay X, Victorias City, was crowned Sidlak Kadalag-an Queen 2024 and the city’s newest ambassadress, March 22, at the City Coliseum.
She also bagged numerous minor and special awards, including the Best in Evening Gown, Best in Swimwear, Ms. GCash, Ms. Bacolod JOR Travel and Tours, and Miss Lagaw Pinoy Travel and Events.
Celeste will receive a cash prize of P75,000 and a scholarship grant, the city said.
Shane Chavez, first runner-up, and Elvie Barrios, second runner-up, will also receive P50,000 and P30,000, respectively, and a scholarship grant.
“Tonight, we are celebrating the true feminine beauty which is more than what our eyes can see. Real feminine beauty is the authentic quality of women to impact those people around them and how they are very much capable of making our world a better place to live in, through their own special way,” Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez said in his welcome message.
The mayor emphasized women’s empowerment in his message and stressed that the Kadalag-an Festival is dedicated to all Victoriahanon women, who made the city victorious despite several adversities.
“This is what the Kadalag-an Festival is truly about, celebrating the stronghold of our community that keeps us united and accelerate as one,” Benitez added.
He also announced that the LGU will soon launch a women’s center, which shall uphold safe spaces for women.
He told Celeste: “May your reign be vibrant and purposeful. May you carry the legacies of our previous Kadalag-an queens with utmost grace and strength.”
Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Beatrice Luigi Gomez, Miss International 2023 3rd runner-up Nicole Borromeo, and Miss Universe Philippines 2020 4th runner-up Billie Hakenson, Bacolod City first lady Dominique Lopez-Benitez, Mister Supranational Philippines 2023 Johannes Rissler, and Miss World Philippines 2018 first princess Chanel Morales were the members of the panel of judges.
Miss Supranational 2023 1st runner-up Pauline Amelinckx and Negrosanon top film director and seasoned event host, Kurt Steven Soberano, hosted the star-studded coronation night, the city said in a press release.
Rising star Kira Balinger entertained the crowd with her song performances, while rockoustic heartthrob Sam Milby serenaded the Kadalag-an Queen candidates and Victoriahanons at the venue.
Sidlak Kadalag-an Queen 2023 and Victorias City’s representative to Lin-ay sang Negros 2024, Kyla Rose Romarate, turned over her crown to Celeste.
The KQ 2024 was a world-class presentation in a circus-themed production by Team Acids, led by Rodney Ascalon.
The members of the Negros Association of Chief Executives, Victorias City officials, barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan councils, sponsors, program partners, and special guest, actress Sue Ramirez, were present during the grand coronation night along with hundreds of Victoriahanons and pageant enthusiasts from nearby cities and towns. ||
