• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The search for this year’s Lin-ay sang Negros heats up as several pre-pageant activities are slated this weekend in the runup to the grand coronation on March 28 at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City.
The 27 candidates will be presented to the press on March 22 at 11 a.m. at SM City Bacolod event center, to be followed by the festival costume competition at 4 p.m. that day, in the same venue.
The corporate day and talent competition, on the other hand, will be at the Ayala Malls Capitol Central activity center on March 23, starting at 4 p.m., the pageant organizer said.
This year’s candidates are Akeisha Nicole Nuarin, Lin-ay sang Bacolod City, who is pushing for support to handmade products for environmental change; Tisha Alyanna Perocho, Bago, advocating for safety and resiliency on emergency program; Jewel Maxine Vasquez, Binalbagan, pushing for mental health awareness; Ericka Verwin, Cadiz, on inclusive sustainable tourism; Rheana Loquinario, Calatrava, pushing for education for every youth; April Joy Florendo, Candoni, on strengthening healthcare for a better Negros; Princess Michaila Togonon, Cauayan, advocating for inclusive education opportunities;
Jeremae Pacino, Lin-ay sang Don Salvador Benedicto, advocating for teen pregnancy prevention; Jalice De Carvalho, Escalante, pushing for awareness on mental health of abused children; Jorelyn Cabatac, Himamaylan, inclusive and equitable quality education for all; Susmita Angelique Ramos, Hinigaran, first aid to the barrio; Justine Joy Redocto, Hinoba-an, sustainable tourism;
Maxine Louise Martin, Lin-ay sang Ilog, advocating for awareness on the struggles of female youth; Lyrain Dela Torre, Isabela, preservation of culture and arts; Jay Belle Ramos, Kabankalan, pushing for agri development; Chermaine Faith Semillano, La Castellana, health equity and access for life; Julianah Cassandra Makilan, Manapla, education development; Chelzy Jallienne Subaldo, Murcia, ensuring a bag of hope for all;
Samantha Faye Rendon, Lin-ay sang Pontevedra, who is calling for mental wellness promotion; Shara Marie Tombocon, Pulupandan, mental health beyond gender expectation; Rochelle Cabanyog, Sagay, equitable and accessible healthcare for all; Mialyn Baldonado, Silay, on breaking barriers; Merian Paulynne Gajardo, Sipalay, igniting the spirit of volunteerism; Patricia Ysabel Enriquez, Talisay, eradicating illiteracy; Chattea Cajucson, Toboso, education for all; Justine Sherain Inson, Valladolid, combatting malnutrition; and Jada Biaxyl Celeste of Victorias, who is pushing for anti-violence against women and children.
The beauty pageant is one highlight of the annual Panaad sa Negros Festival, dubbed the mother of all festivals in the province, that is celebrating its 29th edition from March 24-30 this year, on the theme “The Future Unfolds”. | CGC, Lin-ay sang Negros 2025 FB photos
