• ANDREW ALTAREJOS
The stage was set ablaze as fifteen phenomenal women, each with a unique story and a drive to inspire meaningful change, vied for the three coveted titles.
The glittering coronation night for Miss Universe Philippines Negros Island 2025 was held at the Natalio G.Velez Sports and Cultural Center in Silay City, Negros Occidental on September 27.
This year’s three title winners were Maxine Louise Martin, representing the Municipality of Ilog, who was crowned Miss Universe Philippines-Negros Occidental 2025 by Miss Universe Philippines-Negros Occidental 2024 Franches Anne Laquibla; Maria Fatima Alsowyed of Dumaguete City, who was crowned Miss Universe Philippines-Negros Oriental 2025 by Miss Universe Philippines 2025 Ma. Ahtisa Manalo; and Megan Larisse Baldevia of Silay City, a crowd favorite, who won the Miss Photogenic award and was crowned Miss Universe Philippines-Bacolod City by Miss Universe Philippines-Bacolod City 2024 Louise Lian Enumerable Bobe.
Also a crowd favorite, Alexandria Margarette Colmenares of La Carlota City, was first runner-up, and won Best in Evening Gown and the Gown Designer award. Rani Lachmi Dado of E.B. Magalona, who received the Best in Swimsuit award, was second runner-up, while Nathalie Magat of Bais City, and Kyla Grace Giganto of Granada, Bacolod City were third and fourth runners-up respectively.
Anneka Zoe Galve of Pulupandan received the Miss Congeniality award, voted by among her fellow candidates.
Each of the candidates slayed and elegantly graced the stage with their stellar performances, showcased their beauty and confidence, their intelligence that outshined when they expressed their strong thoughts during the final question and answer segment.
When asked by judge Dae Lee, “Imagine humanity 100 years from now, what would you want people to thank your generation for?” winner Maxine Louise Martin responded: “I want our generation to be thanked for using our voices to speak up against corruption. It’s crucial that we strive for a brighter future, learning from past mistakes to set a strong example. We are the future, and in a hundred years, I envision a bright, hopeful universe, full of education and bright smiles.”
The event was graced by MUPH Negros Island local director Kashmere Granada, Silay City Mayor Joedith Gallego, and representatives from the LGU represented by each candidate.
The distinguished panel of judges included reigning Miss Universe Philippines Ma. Ahtisa Manalo, MUPH VP for National and Global Search Mags Cue, SM City Mall Manager Julia Javellana, Citadines Bacolod General Manager Caleb Han, Pageant mentor and entrepreneur Rubie De los Santos, surgeon Doctor Niño Ordillo, model and entrepreneur Paolo Cue, Director for Internationalization and External Relations – CHMSU Rhoderick Samonte, and Chief Operations Officer of Beetzee Play Dae Lee. The pageant host was OJ Cimafranca.
Also present were outgoing 2024 queens – Miss Universe Philippines-Negros Occidental Franches Anne Laquibla and Miss Universe Philippines -Bacolod City Louise Lian Enumerable Bobe.*
