Fifteen Miss Bacolod MassKara 2026 candidates showcased the culture, livelihood and traditions of their respective communities during the Barangay Pride Costume Competition at a mall in Bacolod City, Oct. 4.
Each candidate wore a festival costume inspired by a distinct feature of the barangay she represents, turning local traditions, industries and landmarks into designs presented onstage.
The costumes featured the Agihis tradition of Barangay Alijis, Christmas parols of Barangay 29, agricultural heritage of Taculing, Mandalagan’s arts scene, the Sum-ag River, and the historic haciendas of Estefania.
Other entries drew inspiration from Granada’s pomegranate harvest, Tangub’s forest heritage, Mansilingan’s mushroom industry, Bata’s basketry, Singcang’s Ati-Atihan tradition, Barangay 32’s sugba culture, Cabug’s fruit bats, Villamonte’s coffee and food culture, and Pahanocoy’s pottery tradition.
The candidates also incorporated movements inspired by the fiestas and cultural practices of the communities they represent during the presentation.
Competing are Aleysa Dionio of Alijis, Hannah Damasco of Barangay 29, Margarette Ymballa of Taculing, Jasper Anne Lucero of Mandalagan, Ma. Zonora Ellyssa Curaza of Sum-ag, Eurica Cielo Abarro of Estefania, Ashley Nicole Andrade of Granada and Jeaven Icy Musni of Tangub.
Also competing are Julie Mikayla Borja of Mansilingan, Lourdeth Codico of Bata, Macy Alaine Albarico of Singcang, Daniela Louise Merelos of Barangay 32, Krizza May Fernando of Cabug, Zoe Dorothy Ardiente of Villamonte and Kyla Aligaga of Pahanocoy.
MassKara Festival director Rodney Mitz Ascalon said the presentation forms part of the festival’s “Women Who Matter” thrust, which highlights the candidates’ roles in representing the stories and communities behind their respective barangays.
“These women are not simply wearing costumes. They are carrying the stories and pride of their barangays,” Ascalon said.
He said the competition provides another platform for the candidates to promote local culture while recognizing the work of designers and communities involved in creating the costumes.
The winner of the Barangay Pride Costume Competition will be announced during the Miss Bacolod MassKara 2026 Finals Night.*
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