ILOILO – Balasan town scored a major cultural triumph as its candidate, Elissa Jayne Dely, emerged as Lin-ay sang Iloilo 2025, besting 14 other hopefuls in a grand coronation night held Wednesday, Nov. 26, at the City of Passi Arena in Passi City.
Dely, representing the Lechon Festival of Balasan, secured the coveted crown described as “not just a stunning piece of jewelry but a profound representation of the province’s heritage, unity, and the empowerment of its women, beautifully weaving together their past, present, and future while honoring their enduring traditions.”
The intricately crafted crown was made by Michael Angelo Bangalisan Betita, a native of Carles, further rooting the pageant’s symbolism in Ilonggo craftsmanship.
As the newly crowned Lin-ay, Dely will serve as the cultural ambassadress of the province and may later compete in regional or national pageants once she meets the qualifying standards.
Last year’s titleholder was Alleh Gane Dela Cruz of Estancia.
Other Titleholders
The coronation night also produced a full slate of winners showcasing the province’s rich festival traditions:
* Lin-ay sang Turismo 2025 – Shiela C. Muya (Sulay Basya Festival, Sara)
* Lin-ay sang Taliambong 2025 – Dyjie Laurice B. Yucor (Kasag Festival, Banate)
* Lin-ay sang Maragtas 2025 – Crystil Joy L. Sepaya (Katagman Festival, Oton)
* Lin-ay sang Panublion 2025 – Lyra Angela T. Temperatura (Saludan Festival, Tigbauan)
Minor Awards
* Maanyag sa Pamulong-pulong & Telebisyon – Crystil Joy L. Sepaya (Oton)
* Maanyag sa Panapton Pormal – Lyra Angela T. Temperatura (Tigbauan)
* Maanyag sa Kinaadman & Pangbukas nga Bahin – Shiela C. Muya (Sara)
* Maanyag sa Panapton Pangkalingawan – Dyjie Laurice B. Yucor (Banate)
* Maanyag sa Panapton Rural – Elissa Jayne F. Dely (Balasan)
* Maanyag sa Tagapagpalakat – Monica Vienne G. Centena (Calinog)
* Maanyag sa Mamalidha – Lira E. Gico (Guimbal)
* Maanyag nga Mainabyanon & Maanyag sa Litraro – Allessandra Keysha Emonaga (Lemery)
15 Official Candidates
The candidates represented the signature festivals of their respective towns, including San Rafael’s Tawili Festival, Leganes’ Saad Festival, Ajuy’s Tambobo Festival, Concepcion’s Tampisaw Festival, and Passi City’s Pintados de Pasi Festival, among others.
Lin-ay sang Iloilo 2025 was organized by the Association of Iloilo Tourism Officers, Inc. (AITO) led by President Dr. Jose “JJ,” in coordination with the Iloilo provincial government through the Provincial Culture, Arts, History and Tourism Office (PCAHTO)./PN