• KEITH BRANDON CARI-AN
“I would prioritize four things – innovation, inclusivity, sustainability, and culture,” Princess Ella Olmilla confidently begins her answer to the final question when asked what she would do if she were the mayor of the “supercity”.
Olmilla was crowned as this year’s Miss Bacolod MassKara during the coronation night at the St. La Salle Coliseum in Bacolod City Oct. 19.
An advocate for elderly care, Olmilla dedicated the “sapphire crown” to her five grandparents, especially her late grandmother, Lola Ella Olmilla, who raised her during her childhood.
The Accounting Information System graduate of Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod impressed the judges and excelled in rounds – Super Bacoleña, Swimwear, Evening Gown Competition, and the Q&A.
“This has been a dream of my grandmother ever since I was 16, and I believe I not only carried this journey with me but also carried her legacy,” she proudly said, expressing her excitement about preparing for the national stage.
Ella rose to the top from the 15 exceptional candidates.
She won the Best in Swimwear and Best in Evening Gown sashes, and several special sponsors awards, such as Miss Merzci, Miss Ysa Botanica, Miss MKU Construction, Miss MassKara Chicken, Miss SM Store Bacolod, Miss Bacolod JOR Travel & Tours, Miss Bingo Plus, and the Radiant Smile Award.
Meanwhile, musically-inclined Akeisha Nicole Nuarin was named first runner-up. She is a Hospitality Management student at Carlos Hilado Memorial State University.
PWD advocate Cindy Valencia completed the royal court as the second runner-Up. She is a Business Administration, major in Business Economics and Marketing Management student, at the University of St. La Salle.
Nuarin also won the Best in Festival award, while Valencia received the Best in Talent, Miss Dito Telecommunity, and Miss Northwest Inn titles.
Jhudiel Micha Maris Lianda was awarded Miss Congeniality, and Sophia Zaragoza was chosen as Most Photogenic and Darling of Social Media.
Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez, Congressman Greg Gasataya, Victorias City Mayor Javi Benitez, and former mayor Monico Puentevella led the VIPs, along with the city’s councilors and officials, and officers of the Bacolod Yuhum Foundation.
Hosted by actor Marco Gumabao and Cristalle Belo-Pitt, the 2024 Miss Bacolod MassKara showcased Bacolod’s vibrant culture, and the programs of the administration.
The candidates also answered questions from former MassKara queens dressed in evening gowns designed by upcoming local designers.
The winning queens will represent the City of Bacolod in local and national pageants in 2025.
The Miss Bacolod MassKara 2024 pageant was directed by Rodney Ascalon and chaired by Carlos Durana. | Bacolod Yuhum Foundation & Bacolod PIO photos
