BACOLOD City – In a night that glimmered with pride, love, and unapologetic self-expression, Kirk Vertudazo Popiolek of Misamis Oriental was crowned MassKareyna 2025 Queen, marking another milestone in the celebration of inclusivity and empowerment that defines the MassKara Festival.
The pageant, held on October 14 at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) grounds, brought together 17 phenomenal queens from across the Philippines. Each contestant proudly represented their city or province in a dazzling display of beauty, talent, and advocacy — a true embodiment of what it means to wear pride with purpose.
Popiolek, 23, captured not only the coveted crown but also the hearts of the audience, taking home multiple awards including Best in MassKara Vlog, Best in Production Number, and Best in Evening Gown. Her victory was a radiant testament to courage, authenticity, and the evolving definition of beauty in the modern world.
Alongside Popiolek stood a powerhouse royal court composed of first runner-up ML Tucay, second runner-up Karen Montecillo, third runner-up Mikay Bautista, and fourth runner-up Georgina Roger Pacilan.
Adding to the night’s glitter, special awards were also given to Bautista, who won Miss Photogenic and Best in Swimwear; Montecillo, who bagged Best in Festival Costume; and Tucay, who impressed the judges by earning the Best in Preliminary Interview award.
Beyond the glittering crowns and gowns, MassKareyna has evolved into something far deeper — a movement of pride and visibility, a vibrant declaration that everyone deserves to be seen and celebrated. Once merely a stage for glamour, it now stands as one of the country’s most prominent LGBTQIA+ pageants, a beacon of self-expression and empowerment.
As one of the flagship events under the Bacolod Gugma Foundation’s “MassKara for All” campaign, MassKareyna champions diversity and compassion, reminding Bacolodnons that the festival’s joy extends to every heart that beats with authenticity. The MassKareyna 2025 queen received P100,000 in cash, a symbol not just of triumph, but of the value placed on bravery and representation.
This year’s competition shimmered with Bacolodnon pride — a celebration of resilience, creativity, and unity in diversity. Every performance, every answer, every smile on that stage told a story of struggle, triumph, and love — proof that beauty knows no boundaries.
As confetti rained down and cheers echoed through the night, one truth stood tall amid the sparkle: MassKareyna is more than a pageant — it is a revolution in heels, a living testament that pride, courage, and love will always reign supreme./PN
