ILOILO City – The Liga ng mga Barangay in Jaro district has finalized preparations for the annual religious fiesta celebration on February 2.
According to Jaro Liga president Barangay Captain Rodel Mamon of Ungka, the festivities will remain simple, featuring traditional activities such as the opening parade for the 2025 Jaro Fiesta, which was held on January 18. The parade was attended by various government and non-government organizations within the district.
Following the parade, a food festival with acoustic band performances was launched, while a garden show opened across Jaro Plaza and beside Land Bank of the Philippines. Additionally, the Jaro Liga has adopted the carnival from Barangay Benedicto, located near Jaro Plaza, to provide additional entertainment for fiesta-goers.
The highlight of the celebration is the Miss Jaro 2025 pageant, with the coronation set for 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 1, at Robinsons Place Jaro. Two preliminary events have already taken place — the sashing ceremony and official introduction of candidates at the food festival area on January 18, and the fashion show and festival wear competition at Robinsons Place Iloilo (Main) on January 22.
Upcoming events include the fashion show and talent competition on the afternoon of Friday, January 31, at Robinsons Place Jaro, leading up to the much-anticipated coronation night.
Jaro Fiesta Event Coordinator Arjay Biñas confirmed that seven candidates are vying for the Miss Jaro 2025 crown: Marie Krystel Angela Jacildo, Bea Summer Tolato, Hanna Jane Cabaluna Canillas, Antonia Juliane Dome, Ma. Alessandra Louise Huyaban, Ashlee Emilliene Ngu, and Jhulia Dannielle Edemni.
The winner of Miss Jaro 2025 will receive P15,000 in cash and a trophy, while the first and second runners-up will receive P10,000 and P7,000, respectively, along with trophies.
Non-winning candidates will each receive a consolation prize of P2,000 in cash and gift certificates.
Now in its fifth year, the Miss Jaro pageant was first introduced before the COVID-19 pandemic as part of efforts to enhance the district’s fiesta celebrations./PN
