By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
A tourism management student from the University of St. La Salle (USLS)-Bacolod was crowned as Miss Bacolod MassKara 2023 during the coronation night at the USLS Coliseum yesterday.
Yvonne Catamco was the pageant’s titleholder and will take home a P150,000 cash prize.
Catamco, 22 years old, who tried her luck for the second time around for this year’s pageant, also bagged the Best in Swim Wear award.
She said her advocacy was for the rights of underprivileged children.
Meanwhile, Tracy Mae Sunio and Elli Rose Elola were the first and second runners-up, respectively.
Elola was recognized as Best in Evening Gown, and Darling of the Social Media.
For minor awards, Cailah Jhane Delarma bagged the Miss Congeniality award, while Allona Nejar was recognized as Miss Photogenic.
Marianel Tan was Best in Talent, and also recognized as Best in Festival Costume, and Best Evening Gown Designer.
Hundreds of Bacolodnons attended the star-studded event. Among the pageant judges include Senator Raffy Tulfo and Binibining Pilipinas Universe 2009 Bianca Manalo.
The event was hosted by Marco Gumabao and Janeena Chan.
Actor Carlo Aquino performed on stage and serenaded the candidates./DGB, WDJ