ILOILO — The candidate from Barangay Balabag, Pavia town, Samantha Nicole de la Cruz, was crowned Miss Carabao-Carroza Festival Queen 2026 during the highlight pageant of the municipality’s flagship festival on May 3 at the Pavia Public Plaza.
De la Cruz outshone 17 other contenders representing different barangays, clinching not only the top crown but also several special awards.
The Carabao-Carroza Festival, held annually since 1973, is considered the oldest municipality-based festival in Iloilo, known for its vibrant parades, elaborate costumes, and strong community participation rooted in agricultural heritage.
De la Cruz was also declared Best in Preliminary Interview, Best in Production Number, Best in Summer Wear, and Best in Evening Gown, cementing her dominance throughout the competition.
Other winners included:
* Liga Queen – Angela Kris Caidic (Ungka 2)
* Sangguniang Kabataan Queen – Daicel Joy Asgar (Mali-ao)
* First Runner-Up – Jana Sofia Lamparero (Purok 1)
* Second Runner-Up – Jiaan Queenell Bysshe Flores (Purok 4)
Caidic was also the winner for Modern Festival Costume.
Organizers emphasized that beyond beauty and talent, the pageant serves as a platform to promote cultural preservation and pride in Pavia’s heritage.
“The office of the Sangguniang Kabataan of Balabag, Pavia, Iloilo proudly congratulates Ms. Samantha Nicole De La Cruz for bringing home the crown as Carabao Carroza Festival 2026 Queen. Your grace, confidence, and dedication truly shone on stage, making the entire community proud. May this achievement inspire you to continue representing Balabag with excellence and purpose. Congratulations on this well-deserved victory,” the Sangguniang Kabataan of Balabag posted on Facebook.
The annual festival continues to serve as a unifying tradition for Pavia, reinforcing cultural identity while showcasing the town’s enduring commitment to its history and community spirit.
Full list of candidates
* Daina Ellyza Miole Cenal – Barangay Aganan
* Pauline Laron Morales – Barangay Amparo
* Sarah Ammar Moico – Barangay Anilao
* Samantha Nicole de la Cruz – Barangay Balabag
* Gilliane Shayne Suropia – Barangay Cabugao Norte
* Florence Hisuan – Barangay Cabugao Sur
* Janna Buensalido – Barangay Jibao-an
* Daicel Joy Asgar – Barangay Mali-ao
* Anthonette Rose Himatay – Barangay Pagsangaan
* Eisset Anne Benes – Barangay Pal-agon
* Jade Marie Esquera – Barangay Pandac
* Jana Sofia Lamparero – Barangay Purok 1
* Jhessa Ile Jaurigue – Barangay Purok 2
* Ehrist Faith Campos – Barangay Purok 3
* Jiaan Quennell Bysshe Flores – Barangay Purok 4
* Kaizza Larios – Barangay Tigum
* Althea Kate Pablicon – Barangay Ungka 1
* Angela Kris Caidic – Barangay Ungka 2/PN
