• ANDREW ALTAREJOS
Sophia Kaye Zaragoza, a 19-year-old freshman taking up Tourism Management at the University of St. La Salle – Bacolod, was crowned this year’s Miss Bacolod MassKara 2025 Sunday, October 12.
She bested 14 other candidates during the coronation night at the University of St. La Salle Coliseum.
Zaragoza was initially hesitant to join the pageant again after not placing last year, but she said she decided to give it a second try, and through hard work and dedication, she was able to capture the crown she had dreamt of since she was 16.
She was presented the crown and cash prize of P150,000 after winning the new Miss Bacolod MassKara title by Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya and first lady Maita Gasataya, together with philanthropist Ian Manuel Lo and MassKara Festival 2025 director Rodney Mitz Ascalon.
Zaragoza also received several minor awards including Miss Photogenic, Best in Festival Costume, and Best in Festival Costume Design.
The crowd favorite, Ysabella Wuthrich, was named first runner-up and received P100,000 in cash prize. She won the most corporate awards during the coronation night.
Mary Angelique Faye Caballero was second runner-up and received 50,000 in cash. She also received minor awards as Miss Congeniality, Best in Production Number, and Best in Swimwear.
Roginico Pecardal was awarded Best in Evening gown designer and Ashley Bernadeth De Asis received Best in Talent award.
Jeremae Pacino was Best in Evening Gown.
Janabea Gepana was awarded the Darling of Social Media. Best Festival Costume Designer was awarded to Aaron Spencer Marin, and Best Evening Gown Designer was Roginico Pecardal.
Filipino-American actor, dancer, and model Jameson Blake was the guest artist during coronation night.
This year’s panel of judges are international and national title holders led by Miss Universe Asia 2024 Chelsea Manalo. Joining her are Reina HispanoAmericana 2025 Dia Mate, Universal Woman Philippines 2025 Jasmine Omay, Miss World – Asia 2024 Krishnah Marie Gravidez, Man of the World 2024 Sergio Azuaga, and Mister Grand Philippines 2025 – Pampanga, John Erio Bonifacio.*
