Nineteen-year-old Sophia Kaye Zaragoza, a first-year Tourism Management student at the University of St. La Salle, was crowned Miss Bacolod MassKara 2025 at the USLS Coliseum, Sunday night, Oct. 12,
Zaragoza emerged victorious among 15 Bacoleña candidates who competed under this year’s theme “Beauty That Smiles Within.”
She received ₱150,000 in cash and the special titles Miss Myra E and Miss SM Store.
Ysabella Wuthrich was named First Runner-Up, receiving ₱100,000 and the Miss PH Care title, while Mary Angelique Faye Caballero was declared Second Runner-Up, taking home ₱50,000 in cash.
The other Top 5 finalists aside from Zaragoza, Wuthrich and Caballero, were Kaye Luzuriaga and Jeremae Pacino.
The event opened with a vibrant production number inspired by African drums and Caribbean rhythms, setting the festive tone for the night.
The 15 candidates performed to the beat of the MassKara Festival as they introduced themselves to the cheering crowd that packed the USLS Coliseum.
Festival music continued to play throughout the evening as the Kabataang Silaynon Rondalla Ensemble performed classic folk songs such as “Manok ni San Pedro,” “Ang Alibangbang,” and “Si Pilemon” during the Modern Filipiniana gown competition, where the candidates wore creations made by local designers inspired by Bacolod’s folk heritage.
The judges were national and international titleholders — Dia Mate (Reina Hispanoamericana 2025), Jasmine Omay (Universal Woman Philippines 2025), Krishnah Marie Gravidez (Miss World – Asia 2025), Sergio Azuaga (Man of the World 2024), and John Erio Bonifacio (Mister Grand Philippines 2025 – Pampanga).
Early in the evening, Wuthrich dominated the first set of corporate awards, winning eight titles including Miss Borough Lasik Center, Miss Falcor, Miss Merczi 2025, and Miss Maih Skin.
Caballero later took the lead in the second round of corporate and minor awards, earning distinctions such as Miss Congeniality, Best in Swimwear, Best in Production Number, Miss Roy’s Hotel and Convention Center, and Miss Dito Telecommunity.
Other notable awardees included Zaragoza for Best in Festival Costume and Miss Photogenic, Ashley Bernadeth De Asis for Best in Talent, and Pacino for Best in Evening Gown.
The winners with Mayor Greg Gasataya and his wife, Maih, and businessman Ian Lo.*Ronnie Baldonado photo
In his message, Mayor Greg Gasataya remarked that despite challenges, “Bacolodnons continue to be one and can conquer all,” dedicating the festival to every Bacolodnon.*