BACOLOD City — From fifteen exceptional contenders, one remarkable Bacoleña emerged triumphant. Sophia Kaye Zaragoza was crowned Miss Bacolod MassKara 2025 during the glittering coronation night on Sunday, October 12.
Zaragoza, 19, a first year Tourism Management student at the University of St. La Salle-Bacolod, personified confidence with compassion and the enduring unity that makes “MassKara for All” a living reality. Beyond her stunning beauty and poise, the free diver and vlogger captivated judges and audiences alike with her advocacy, “Oportunidad sa Kabataan,” which promotes expanded job opportunities for the youth. Through this cause, she hopes to turn her own story of personal comeback into meaningful change for others.
More than a celebration of beauty, the pageant marked the triumph of purpose, resilience, and the Bacoleña heart — values that continue to inspire smiles across the City of Smiles.
Zaragoza also bagged two special awards — Best in Festival Costume and Miss Photogenic.
Joining Zaragoza on stage were Ysabella Wuthrich, who was named first runner-up, and Mary Angelique Faye Caballero as second runner-up. Caballero also bagged Best in Swimwear, Best in Production Number, and Miss Congeniality awards.
Cash prizes were awarded to the winners — P150,000 for the queen, P100,000 for the first runner-up, and P50,000 for the second runner-up.
During the final question and answer portion, Zaragoza was asked by Miss Universe Asia 2024 Chelsea Manalo, who led the members of the board of judges. The question was:
“The MassKara Festival is Bacolod City’s symbol of hope amidst challenges. As a woman who embodies beauty that smiles from within, how can beauty serve as a force for healing and transformation in our community?”
Zaragoza answered: “Beauty is uniting us one. I believe that as a Miss Bacolod MassKara, we are not only about our beauty. We are not only about our looks and intelligence, but our purpose — and that is to make everyone feel included. That is where everyone feels they belong. In this year’s MassKara Festival, we were able to include the marginalized sectors, especially the PWDs (persons with disabilities) and the LGBTQ community. In our path, we were able to make them feel they belong, and as long as we make them feel that they belong, then we will have a marketplace of creativity and ideas — and we will have endless possibilities.”
Aside from the three winners, the Top 5 finalists included Kaye Luzuriaga and Jeremae Pacino.
Other awardees included:
* Janabea Gepana – Darling of the Social Media
* Ashley Bernadeth De Asis – Best in Talent
* Jeremae Pacino – Best in Evening Gown
The prestigious event was hosted by Pauline Amelinckx, Miss Supranational 2023 first runner-up, and Kurt Soberano, host and award-winning director.
Adding star power to the night was an all-star panel of judges led by beauty queens and international titleholders, including Chelsea Manalo (Miss Universe Asia 2024), Dia Mate (Reina Hispanoamericana 2025), Krishnah Marie Gravidez (Miss World Asia 2025), Jasmine Omay (Universal Woman Philippines 2025), Sergio Azuaga (Man of the World 2024), and John Eriq Bonifacio (Mr. Grand Philippines–Pampanga)./PN
