By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD CITY – Seventeen candidates are vying for the Himaya Queen 2025 crown, with the coronation night set for Friday, April 4, 2025.
The search for Himaya Queen is one of the highlights of the Himaya Festival in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, which kicked off Monday, March 31.
The 17 candidates were officially introduced during a sashing ceremony held at the jam-packed Brgy. 1 Poblacion Gymnasium in Himamaylan City on Monday night.
“Himaya Queen is not just a platform for ladies to showcase their beauty, wit and talent. It is also a stepping stone for Himamaylanon beauty queens to join bigger national pageants,” Himamaylan City Mayor Raymund Tongson said during the event.
The candidates, supported by their respective barangay councils, received their sashes from Mayor Tongson.
The Himaya Queen 2025 candidates are Maria Teresa Banatasa (Brgy. Mambagaton), Jane Chloe Poblacion (Brgy. Talaban), Alyssa Delgado (Brgy. Saraet), Ellachristina KN Liboon (Brgy. 2), Rachel Mae Nepales (Brgy. Libacao), Keith Justine Morales (Brgy. 1), Jocilla Villano Magbanua (Brgy. To-oy), Althea Mhey Lim (Brgy. Su-ay) and Ruth Vea Llena (Carabalan).
Also competing are Jae Mondia Endico (Brgy. San Antonio), Relyn Soberano (Brgy. Mahalang), Ashley Nicole Gareza (Brgy. 4), Shenette Leigh Lagahit (Brgy. Nabalian), Gioliane Kharyl Ten (Brgy. Cabanbanan), Princess Dyan Anacan (Brgy. 3), Joyce Mayordo (Brgy. Buenavista) and Nea Lane More (Brgy. Aguisan).
Drag Race Philippines Season 3 finalist Angel Galang thrilled the crowd with a fierce drag performance to cap the night.
The Himaya Queen 2025 will be crowned at the Brgy. 1 Poblacion Gymnasium, with guest celebrities Robi Domingo, Joshua Garcia and Pau Dimaranan attending.
Tongson said more stars and activities await festivalgoers, both locals and visitors, until Sunday.