Freshman Tourism Student Takes the Crown at MassKara 2025
BACOLOD CITY — In a night that blended pageantry with a message of unity, 19-year-old Sophia Kaye Zaragoza, a freshman tourism student from the University of Saint La Salle (USLS), was crowned Miss Bacolod MassKara 2025. The decision crowned a contestant who had previously tried her luck in the pageant, only to return with renewed resolve and a deeper understanding of what the festival represents for the city and its people.
Competing against 14 other aspirants, Zaragoza captured both the judges’ and the audience’s attention with her poised presence and thoughtful response to a pivotal question about how beauty can serve as a force for healing and transformation in the community. The query, posed by Judge Chelsea Manalo, Miss Philippines Universe 2024, touched on how the MassKara Festival symbolizes hope amid challenges.
“By uniting as one,” Zaragoza said, “I believe that Miss Bacolod MassKara is not only about beauty, looks, and intelligence, but about purpose, and that is to make people feel included and that they belong.” Her answer reflected the festival’s evolving narrative — one that embraces inclusivity as a catalyst for creativity and progress.
Beyond the podium, Zaragoza highlighted tangible steps toward inclusivity during this year’s MassKara celebration. She noted that the festival has extended its embrace to marginalized sectors, including Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), pets, and the LGBTQ+ community. “When people feel that they belong, we create a marketplace of creativity and ideas, leading to endless possibilities,” she added, signaling a broader vision for festival programming that resonates with a diverse audience.
The crowning ceremony took place at the USLS Coliseum, with high-profile attendees including First Lady Maita Gasataya, Mayor Greg Gasataya, Miss Bacolod 2024 Princess Ella Olmilla, and local businessman Ian Lo. Zaragoza received a prize of P150,000 and the title of ambassador for Myra and The SM Store, underscoring the pageant’s blend of beauty, community service, and local business partnerships.
In addition to the main title, Zaragoza earned several major and corporate awards, such as Best in Festival Costume, Best in Costume Design, and the EP Studio Miss Photogenic for her vibrant Ati-Atihan-inspired attire. She also became the first recipient of the Legacy Media Award, presented by the local press for outstanding media presence and public engagement. These accolades reflect a well-rounded portfolio that extends beyond stage presence into media and community outreach.
The runners-up also showcased notable talents and earned significant recognition. Ysabella Wuthrich finished as first runner-up and took home P100,000, along with the Digital Media Award and nine corporate awards. Second runner-up Mary Angelique Faye Caballero was lauded as Best in Swimwear, Miss Congeniality, and Best in Production Number, earning P50,000. Their performances highlighted the pageant’s emphasis on talent, production quality, and interpersonal charm.
For fans and residents of Bacolod, the win is more than a contest victory; it signals a renewed commitment to a festival that serves as a beacon of hope and an economic engine for the city. As MassKara continues to grow, Zaragoza’s message of belonging and inclusion could influence future programming and community partnerships, aligning beauty with purpose and social impact.
What this means for Bacolod and MassKara
The Miss Bacolod MassKara title increasingly represents more than aesthetics. It functions as a platform for cultural expression, public service, and inclusive community development. As the city looks to the future, Zaragoza’s win may inspire young leaders to view festivals as opportunities to advance social harmony while celebrating local culture and resilience.
About the New Miss Bacolod MassKara 2025
Sophia Kaye Zaragoza is a freshman tourism student at USLS who saw the MassKara stage as a platform to advocate for unity, inclusion, and creativity. Her victory underscores a growing trend of contestants who prioritize community impact alongside elegance and talent.
