• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Franciene Rios, 19, a tourism management student representing Barangay Vito in Sagay was crowned as this year’s Sinigayan Queen during the coronation night at the City Gymnasium March 17.
Rios, a Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management student of the National University-Bacolod, bested 11 other candidates during the almost four-hour pageant.
Rios, who was asked during the final Q and A on how she would serve as an instrument for every Sagaynon to move forward in unity and harmony, said: “I would like to use this platform not only for nature but also to connect mental health with it, that we can find solace in nature. That here in Sagay City, I also found the healing I needed.”
“As a beauty queen standing in front of you, I will move forward in harmony and bring Sagaynons as an orchestra to produce a progressive symphony because a healthier planet leads to healthier minds,” she added.
Joyce Christine Gonzales from Brgy. Fabrica, meanwhile, was the Sinigayan Queen 2025-Tourism and also Best in Talent, Best in Advocacy, and Best in Evening Gown Design.
Gonzales, 23, is a BS Hospitality Management student of Colegio San Agustin Bacolod, and advocated for the empowerment of persons with special needs.
Jane Ashley Apelacio, 20, from Brgy. Old Sagay was Sinigayan Queen-Charity, and Best in Evening Gown, the city said in a press release March 18. She is a BS in Hospitality Management student of State University of Northern Negros.
Aiera Beleganio, 21, who represented Brgy. Paraiso, was 1st Princess. She is a BS in Secondary Education student of Philippine Normal University-Visayas, and pushed for culture and environmental preservation.
Novelyn Solitano of Brgy. Bato was 2nd Princess, and Best in Production Number, Best in Swimsuit, Miss Photogenic, Best in Festival Costume, and Best in Festival Costume Design.
Solitano, 19, is studying BS in Tourism Management at SUNN and championed LGBTQIA + rights and inclusion, the city said.
The other candidates were Merry Joy Dela Serna, 20, who represented Barangay Plaridel; Princess Athea Capasilan, 17, Brgy. General Luna; Charmel Yllen Libo-on, 20, Brgy. Poblacion 1; Ella Hemperoso, 20, Brgy. Tadlong; Ana Mae Villamento Apas, 18, Brgy. Puey; Katriz Espiritu, 18, Brgy. Malubon; and Ruby Mae Go, 17, of Brgy. Bulanon.
The search for Sinigayan Queen was produced by the Sagay Sigay Jaycees, in partnership with the city government, and is one of the highlights of the 29th Sinigayan Festival.
Sinigayan, dubbed as the “festival of many causes”, will culminate today, March 19, with the Sinigay sa Sagay Saot para sa Dunang Manggad at the city public plaza and closing concerts at the Sagay National High School grounds. | CGC
