• ROGER D. BELTRAN
The journey to the Mr. and Miss Teen MassKara 2025 crown officially began Sept. 13 as the 26 official candidates were formally sashed and presented to the public and members of the media during “The Unveiling” at the main atrium of SM City Bacolod.
Now in its 5th edition, the annual youth pageant is one of the highlights of Bacolod’s iconic MassKara Festival. It celebrates not only beauty and talent but also individuality, confidence, and the voices of Bacolodnon youth.
The organizers said that this year’s official pageant theme: “The Canvas”, symbolizes each candidate as a blank slate ready to be painted with experiences, growth, and purpose throughout the competition.
During the press presentation, each candidate confidently introduced themselves and engaged in casual Q&A sessions with members of the local press.
Among the early standouts were Jamie Elise Gutheil, who earned the title Miss Teen MassKara 2025 Muse of the Media, and John Cediel Estaniel, who was named Mister Teen MassKara 2025 Darling of the Press.
The 13 male candidates vying for the title of Mr. Teen MassKara 2025 are John Paul Benjamin, Lance Coby Coquilla, Eljohn Jopson, Kevin Rey Guanzon, Isaiah Francis Estrada, Ashneel Jay Exaltado, Chad Luiz Agui, Jechonias Manzano II, John Michael Torrestre, John Cediel Estaniel, Kert Manuel Gelera, Linus Tristan Agtarap, and Robert Rognel Guinanao.
The 13 females competing for Miss Teen MassKara 2025 include Charie Anne Adayo, Princess Shane Yvy Corral, Sherie Mae Perez, Angel Shruti Reddy, Gabrielle Gison, Aleen Marie Roesler, Xyla Erojo, Ruby Mae Go, Zhylle Victoria Ubamos, Ana Yzabelle Berbenzana, Jamie Elise Gutheil, Alexandrea Bless Imperial, and Stacey Dominique Latigo.
The sashing ceremony marked the official start of a series of pre-pageant activities leading up to the coronation night on Oct. 11 at the SM Skyhall, where the next ambassadors of youth empowerment in Bacolod will be crowned.
Pre-pageant activities include a Corporate Day on Sept. 27, and Fashion Show and Preliminary Competition on Oct. 4 and 5, respectively. All events will be held at the SM Main Atrium.
The pageant is organized by EXZD Productions, in partnership with SM City Bacolod, NU Bacolod and SM Store, and is under the direction of Mark Raymund Garcia, known for his creative vision.
With each candidate bringing their own story, background, and purpose to the stage, Mr. and Miss Teen MassKara 2025 promises to be a celebration of youthful excellence and community spirit. | RDBeltran
