THE GLITTER of smiles and the rhythm of celebration filled the University of St. La Salle-Bacolod Coliseum on October 12, as Miss Bacolod MassKara 2025 crowned its new queen in a night that honored Bacolod’s beauty, culture, and resilience.
From fifteen exceptional candidates, Sophia Kaye Zaragoza, a 19-year-old Tourism Management student, emerged as Miss Bacolod MassKara 2025. Yet beyond the crowning moment, this year’s pageant stood out for its deeper message — that the MassKara Festival is not just about glamour, but about the shared spirit of hope, unity, and inclusivity that defines the City of Smiles.
Under the theme “MassKara for All,” the pageant embraced a broader sense of belonging, highlighting advocacies that promote equality, empowerment, and compassion. Each candidate showcased not only beauty and grace but also stories of service, strength, and community pride — reflecting how the festival continues to evolve with the times.
Organizers described this year’s edition as a celebration of “beauty with purpose.” From the production number to the question-and-answer portion, the competition emphasized the candidates’ ability to lead, inspire, and advocate for meaningful causes amid today’s social challenges.
Zaragoza, who also won Best in Festival Costume and Miss Photogenic, captivated both judges and spectators with her advocacy, “Oportunidad sa Kabataan,” which aims to open more job opportunities for the youth. In the final question, she spoke about beauty as a force for inclusion and transformation, emphasizing Bacolod’s efforts to make the festival a home for everyone — including marginalized groups such as persons with disabilities and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
“As Miss Bacolod MassKara, we are not only about beauty and intelligence, but about purpose — to make everyone feel included,” Zaragoza said. “When people feel that they belong, creativity thrives, and there will be endless possibilities.”
Joining Zaragoza in the winners’ circle were Ysabella Wuthrich, who was named first runner-up, and Mary Angelique Faye Caballero, second runner-up. Caballero also bagged several special awards, including Best in Swimwear, Best in Production Number, and Miss Congeniality.
Cash prizes of P150,000, P100,000, and P50,000 were awarded to the top three winners, respectively. Completing the Top 5 were Kaye Luzuriaga and Jeremae Pacino, while the following special awards were also presented: Janabea Gepana (Darling of Social Media), Ashley Bernadeth De Asis (Best in Talent), and Jeremae Pacino (Best in Evening Gown).
Adding prestige to the coronation night was an esteemed panel of judges led by 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). The event was hosted by Pauline Amelinckx, Miss Supranational 2023 first runner-up, and Kurt Soberano, director and TV host.
More than a contest of beauty, Miss Bacolod MassKara 2025 embodied the very soul of the MassKara Festival — a celebration of joy after adversity, unity amid diversity, and smiles that continue to inspire hope across generations./PN
