Freshman Triumph: Miss Bacolod MassKara 2025 Crowned
Bacolod City welcomed a new Miss Bacolod MassKara as a 19-year-old freshman claimed the coveted title during the 2025 pageant held at the University of Saint La Salle (USLS) Coliseum. Sophia Kaye Zaragoza, a tourism student from Barangay Estefania, outshone 14 other aspirants and captured the crown with a poised and thoughtful presentation that resonated with audiences and judges alike.
A Second Chance, A Strong Message
Zaragoza had previously tried for Miss Bacolod MassKara last year but did not win. Undeterred, she returned this year with renewed focus and expanded platform ideas. Her perseverance paid off when she delivered an answer that highlighted beauty as a catalyst for healing and transformation within the MassKara community—an event historically seen as a symbol of resilience amid challenges.
Judges and Key Moments
During the final round, Zaragoza faced a question from judge Chelsea Manalo, Miss Philippines Universe 2024. Asked how beauty can serve as a force for healing in the community, she articulated a compelling vision: “By uniting as one, 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 message extended to the festival’s evolving identity, noting that MassKara 2025 embraced 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, framing beauty pageantry as a platform for inclusive community-building.
Ceremony and Prizes
The coronation ceremony featured a formal blend of civic and cultural pride, with First Lady Maita Gasataya and Mayor Greg Gasataya on hand to publicly acknowledge the new queen. Also present were Miss Bacolod 2024 Princess Ella Olmilla and local businessman Ian Lo, who helped crown Zaragoza at the USLS Coliseum.
In addition to the honor of the title, Zaragoza received a cash prize of P150,000 and was named ambassador for Myra and The SM Store. She also collected several major and corporate awards, including Best in Festival Costume, Best in Costume Design, and EP Studio Miss Photogenic for her vibrant Ati-Atihan-inspired attire. Notably, she became the first recipient of the Legacy Media Award, an accolade recognizing outstanding media presence and public engagement within the local press landscape.
Runners-Up and Other Recognitions
Ysabella Wuthrich earned the title of first runner-up and P100,000. She also claimed the Digital Media Award and nine corporate awards, underscoring the strong competition among finalists. Second runner-up Mary Angelique Faye Caballero received P50,000 and earned accolades for Best in Swimwear, Miss Congeniality, and Best in Production Number, rounding out a slate of impressive performances.
Meaningful Momentum for the MassKara Festival
The 2025 MassKara celebration underscored a broader community mission: to celebrate beauty while advancing inclusion, creativity, and resilience. Zaragoza’s emphasis on unity and belonging aligns with a festival that has long stood for hope in the face of adversity. As she prepares to serve as an ambassador for Myra and The SM Store, she will likely use her platform to highlight accessible arts, culture, and civic engagement—values that connect with residents and visitors alike.
What This Means for Next Year
With Zaragoza’s win, expectations rise for future contestants to craft messages that pair glamour with social impact. The Miss Bacolod MassKara stage continues to evolve as a community stage where beauty, brains, and compassion intersect. The pageant’s emphasis on inclusivity—extending to PWDs, pets, and LGBTQ+ communities—signals a lasting direction for the festival and its ambassadors.
