Introduction: A New Miss Bacolod MassKara
In a night that blended pageantry with a message of unity, a 19-year-old freshman tourism student from the University of Saint La Salle (USLS) was crowned Miss Bacolod MassKara 2025. Sophia Kaye Zaragoza, a Barangay Estefania resident, outshone 14 other aspiring queens to win the city’s beloved MassKara Festival title.
A Return to Glory: Persistence Pays Off
Zaragoza had competed in the previous year’s edition but fell short. Undeterred, she returned to the competition, showcasing growth in poise, stage presence, and a thoughtful interpretation of beauty as a force for good. Her victory underscores the perseverance that aspiring leaders in Bacolod often display as they pursue opportunities to serve their communities.
Audience and Judges React: A Thoughtful Answer on Healing and Transformation
One of the defining moments of the pageant was Zaragoza’s eloquent response to a question posed by Miss Philippines Universe 2024 Chelsea Manalo. The judges pressed her on how beauty, as a concept and as a community asset, can contribute to healing and transformation in a city that calls MassKara Festival a symbol of hope during challenging times.
“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.” She emphasized the festival’s evolving inclusivity, noting that this year’s celebration embraced marginalized groups, 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.”
Ash-Tinted to Rainbow: The Festival’s Inclusive Vision
The crowning moment reflected a broader shift in MassKara’s branding, aligning the festival with social cohesion and cultural creativity. Zaragoza highlighted how inclusion in the festival context supports a vibrant economy of ideas where every participant has a voice. Her message resonated with supporters who see beauty pageants as platforms for social impact, not just aesthetics.
Award Highlights: A Night of Corporate Support and Public Praise
Beyond the crown, Zaragoza claimed a series of major and corporate accolades. She received the Top Prize of P150,000 and was named ambassador for Myra and The SM Store. In the competition’s technical categories, she took home Best in Festival Costume, Best in Costume Design, and EP Studio Miss Photogenic for her Ati-Atihan-inspired ensemble. Notably, she became the first recipient of the Legacy Media Award, acknowledging outstanding media presence and public engagement—a nod to the festival’s evolving relationship with local press and communities.
Runner-Ups and Their Achievements
Ysabella Wuthrich finished as the first runner-up with a prize of P100,000 and earned the Digital Media Award in addition to nine corporate recognitions. The second runner-up, Mary Angelique Faye Caballero, was celebrated for Best in Swimwear, Miss Congeniality, and Best in Production Number, taking home P50,000. The competition highlighted the diverse talents and commitments of its finalists, each contributing to Bacolod’s cultural landscape.
What This Victory Means for Bacolod and MassKara’s Future
Miss Bacolod MassKara 2025’s triumph signals more than a crown; it marks a commitment to inclusive community engagement, creative industries, and the festival’s mission to spark hope during adversity. Zaragoza’s platform as ambassador will likely inspire collaborations with local organizations, tourism initiatives, and cultural events that align with the city’s growth goals while preserving MassKara’s distinct spirit.
About the Event: A Community-Driven Celebration
The USLS Coliseum provided a fitting backdrop for the coronation, with First Lady Maita Gasataya, Mayor Greg Gasataya, Miss Bacolod 2024 Princess Ella Olmilla, and businessman Ian Lo in attendance to honor the winner. The ceremony blended ceremony, fashion, and community messaging to reflect Bacolod’s resilient identity.
Conclusion: A Fresh Voice for MassKara
As Sophia Kaye Zaragoza begins her year as Miss Bacolod MassKara 2025, the city anticipates a year of constructive dialogue, inclusive events, and a festival that continues to symbolize hope. Her emphasis on belonging and unity aligns with MassKara’s tradition of turning challenges into creative opportunity, ensuring that beauty serves the broader purpose of healing and transformation.
