• ANDREW ALTAREJOS
The journey to Lin-ay Sang Negros 2026 officially began as 32 candidates Babayeng Negrosanon, representing all the cities and municipalities of Negros Occidental, took their first step toward the crown.
The aspirants were formally presented with their sashes during the grand launching of the 30th Panaad sa Negros Festival at the Provincial Capitol on March 13, with local government executives and representatives doing the honors.
The sashing ceremony was witnessed by Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, Vice Governor Joeben Alonso, members of the Provincial Board, Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II, and Panaad sa Negros Festival Executive Director Charina Magallanes-Tan.
Adding to the pageantry were delegates of Mister Pilipinas Worldwide 2026 who had the honor of accompanying the Lin-ay Sang Negros 2026 candidates during the ceremony. Also in attendance were reigning Lin-ay Sang Negros Jada Biaxyl Celeste of Victorias City, first runner-up Maxine Martin of Ilog, and Julianah Cassandra Makilan of Manapla, Municipal and City tourism officers from the different LGUs and Panaad coordinators.
The official candidates for this year’s Lin-ay Sang Negros are: Franciene Rios (Sagay City), Sofia Ignalague (Murcia), Natasha Francinn Myles Soriano (Victorias City), Ivy Loraine Alpas (Bago City), Jherie Lee Tonico (La Castellana), Charhaey Apatan (San Carlos City), Erish Jen Cascarro (La Carlota City), Angel Mae Baldoquin (Cadiz City), Ritz Wynona Lacanilao (Silay City), Elisha Krizzle Escultura (Cauayan), Janabea Gepana (San Enrique), Johana Marie Oyog (Kabankalan City), Alexandra Lakatos (Sipalay City);
Cheska Edyl Gayoma (Binalbagan), Nea Lane More (Himamaylan City), Glazel Bayona (Calatrava), Gesille Mae Sullivan (Pontevedra), Pia Bianca Soriano (Candoni), Jerdie Rose Octavio (Hinoba-an), Jela Natingga (Escalante City), Bea Tricia De la Peña (Ilog), Jonalyn Grace Diamena (Valladolid), Emirose Rull (Hinigaran);
Angelica Villar (Toboso), Jamaicah Bantigue (Don Salvador Benedicto), Angelica Gwen Tenero (Pulupandan), Pamela Rodrigo (Isabela), Kimberly Kate Payumo (Talisay City), Ysabella Wuthrich (Bacolod City), Donna Tre-inta (Moises Padilla), Wincy Kate Beral (Manapla), and Erika Marie Aboy (E.B. Magalona).
The Pearl edition of Lin-ay Sang Negros 2026 Coronation Night will be held at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City on April 17.*
