Jada Biaxyl Celeste of Barangay X, Victorias City was crowned Sidlak Kadalag-an Queen 2024 and the city’s newest ambassadress on March 22, at the City Coliseum.
Celeste bagged numerous minor and special awards, including the Best in Evening Gown, Best in Swimwear, Ms. GCash, Ms. Bacolod JOR Travel and Tours, and Miss Lagaw Pinoy Travel and Events.
Celeste will receive a cash prize of P75,000 and a scholarship grant.
Shane Chavez, first runner-up, and Elvie Barrios, second runner-up will also receive P50,000 and P30,000, respectively, and a scholarship grant.
“Tonight, we are celebrating the true feminine beauty which is more than what our eyes can see. Hence, real feminine beauty is the authentic quality of women to impact those people around them and how they are very much capable of making our world a better place to live in, through their own special way,” Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez said in his welcome message.
The City Mayor emphasized women’s empowerment in his message and stressed that the Kadalag-an Festival is dedicated to all Victoriahanon women who made the city victorious despite several adversities.
“This is what the Kadalag-an Festival is truly about, celebrating the stronghold of our community that keeps us united and accelerate as one,” he added.
Benitez also announced that the LGU will soon launch a Women’s Center which shall uphold safe spaces for women.
He then shared a message to the new Sidlak Kadalag-an Queen 2024.
“May your reign be vibrant and purposeful. May you carry the legacies of our previous Kadalag-an Queens with utmost grace and strength,” he said.
Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Beatrice Luigi Gomez, Miss International 2023 3rd Runner-Up Nicole Borromeo, and Miss Universe Philippines 2020 4th Runner-Up Billie Hakenson, Bacolod City First Lady Dominique Lopez-Benitez, Mister Supranational Philippines 2023 Johannes Rissler, and Miss World Philippines 2018 First Princess Chanel Morales were the members of the panel of judges.
Miss Supranational 2023 1st Runner-Up Pauline Amelinckx and Negrosanon top film director and seasoned event host, Kurt Steven Soberano hosted the star-studded Coronation Night.
Moreover, rising star Kira Balinger entertained the crowd with her song performances.
Rockoustic Heartthrob Sam Milby graced the Sidlak Kadalag-an Queen stage and serenaded the candidates and Victoriahanons at the venue.
Sidlak Kadalag-an Queen 2023 and Victorias City’s representative for Lin-ay sang Negros 2024, Kyla Rose Romarate joined in the coronation and turned over her crown to Celeste.
KQ 2024 delivered a world-class stage as they brought a circus-themed production by Team Acids led by Rodney Ascalon.
The members of Negros Association of Chief Executives, Victorias City officials, barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan councils, sponsors, program partners, and special guest, actress Sue Ramirez were present during the coronation night, a press statement from the City Public Information Office said.*
