BACOLOD City — Sixteen candidates representing various barangays of Silay City were officially introduced to the media on May 28 as they vie for the coveted Lin-ay sang Silay 2026 crown, one of the most prestigious and culturally rooted beauty pageants in Negros Occidental.
The pageant is among the major highlights of the 69th Charter Anniversary and Kansilay Festival celebration from June 1 to 12, carrying this year’s theme, “One Silay: Empowered Legacy, Resilient Community.”
The candidates for Lin-ay sang Silay 2026 are Ashly Nicole Sabute of Barangay 1, Daphne An Hinolan of Barangay Guinhalaran, Hyacinth Britanico of Barangay Balarin, Annjanet Malacad of Barangay 4, Femie Siar of Barangay 5, Mila Rose Gucio of Barangay Mambulac, Kaith Yrikah Ortilano of Barangay E. Lopez, Shyra Torrecampo of Barangay 3, Nicole Abby Arnaiz of Barangay Rizal, Jerena Diaz of Barangay Hawaiian, Rigene Taleon of Barangay Guimbalaon, April Joy Cotamen of Barangay Kapitan Ramon, Aira David Arroyo of Barangay Lantad, Michaella Villaflor of Barangay Bagtic, Christelle Ann Marie Judiana of Barangay Patag, and Megan Bless Gomed of Barangay 2.
During the media presentation in Silay City, Arnaiz was named Muse of the Media.
Mayor Joedith C. Gallego, who attended the presentation, invited the public to take part in the city’s annual celebration, which honors Silay’s history, culture, and community spirit through various cultural and civic activities.
The coronation night of Lin-ay sang Silay 2026 is scheduled on June 10.
Considered one of the most respected local pageants in the province, Lin-ay sang Silay goes beyond the traditional beauty competition by highlighting cultural heritage, intelligence, public speaking, tourism promotion, arts, and the role of women in community development.
Established in the late 1980s and held annually as part of the Kansilay Festival, the competition has become a showcase of Silaynon pride and identity, reflecting the city’s reputation as the “Paris of Negros” because of its preserved heritage houses, vibrant arts scene, and rich historical legacy.
Over the years, Lin-ay sang Silay has produced candidates who later competed in provincial and national beauty pageants, further strengthening Silay City’s standing as one of Negros Occidental’s strongholds in pageantry and cultural excellence./PN
