Candidates showcasing LGBTQIA+ pride, cultural identity, and national heritage secured top spots in the Best in Talent and Best in Festival Costume competitions of MassKareyna 2026 at SM City Bacolod, Tuesday, Oct. 13.
In the Best in Talent category, Rian Bacalla of Cebu City, Yeng Lavitoria of Paniqui, Tarlac, and Maggiriana Grande of Malaybalay, Bukidnon, earned spots in the Top 3 with performances highlighting their artistry and advocacy, a press release from the organizers said.
Representing the Queen City of the South, Bacalla energized the stage with dynamic choreography to viral hits.
Lavitoria delivered a performance centered on truth, empathy, and raw emotion using spoken-word poetry and a single sheet of paper.
Meanwhile, Grande performed an interpretive dance to “Human,” portraying the LGBTQIA+ community’s ongoing fight against discrimination and emphasizing a message of shared humanity.
In the Best in Festival Costume competition, the Top 3 spots went to Billy Yadao of Tarlac City, Lavitoria of Paniqui, Tarlac, and Julian Concepcion of the City of Manila for creations honoring local heritage, agricultural traditions, and religious devotion.
Yadao showcased a tribute to Tarlac City’s golden harvest, created by designer Weng Alvarez of Weng Couture, honoring the hard work and resilience of local farmers.
Lavitoria wore a costume designed by Jian Carlu Villarosa featuring golden sugarcane and thriving palay (unmilled rice) to celebrate agricultural workers sustaining the nation.
Concepcion presented an ensemble incorporating stained-glass patterns and imagery of the Blessed Mother, reflecting the Catholic faith and enduring devotion of the Tondo community. The costume was designed by Weng Couture Collections.
The panel of judges included Ysabella Wuthrich, Miss Bacolod MassKara 2025 first runner-up; Josua A. Salibio, Mister Cosmo International Philippines 2026 and Mister Universe Philippines 2026; and Chino Christopherson, award-winning fashion designer and official stylist of Miss Bacolod MassKara.
The candidates will return for the MassKareyna 2026 Coronation Night on Oct. 15 at the Bacolod City Government Center.*
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