By JEN BAYLON
Jada Biaxyl Celeste of Negros Occidental’s Victorias City was crowned Lin-ay sang Negros 2025 during the coronation night at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City on Friday, March 28.
The 21-year-old Celeste, who advocates for women’s empowerment and gender equality, bested 26 other candidates in the highly anticipated pageant.
She also clinched the Best in Swimwear and Best in Evening Gown awards, solidifying her dominance throughout the night.
The five-hour spectacle drew a crowd of over 9,000, who witnessed Celeste’s grace, intelligence and poise shine throughout the competition.
Celeste’s platform of women empowerment and gender equality resonated deeply with the audience and judges alike.
During the final Q&A portion, she delivered a compelling response to the question about promises: “My promise to Negros Occidental is to equip its marginalized children with quality education. If I cannot break my promise, why should anyone else?”
Her eloquence and commitment to her advocacy earned her thunderous applause from the crowd.
As this year’s Lin-ay sang Negros, Celeste received an impressive array of prizes, including P80,000 in cash, a full scholarship from the provincial government, and various other rewards.
Maxine Louise Martin of Ilog town was named first runner-up, while Julianah Cassandra Makilan of Manapla town secured second runner-up honor.
Both runners-up showcased their intelligence and charm during the Q&A segment and were celebrated for their outstanding performances.
Back-to-back triumphs for Victorias
This year’s win marks a significant milestone for Victorias City, as it secured back-to-back triumphs in the Lin-ay sang Negros competition.
Last year’s winner, Kyla Rose Romarate, passed on the crown to Celeste in an emotional moment that symbolized Victorias’ stronghold on the title.
With her newfound platform, Celeste is set to inspire others through her advocacy work and represent Negros Occidental with pride.
As she embarks on her reign as Lin-ay sang Negros, she carries with her not just a crown but also the hopes and dreams of countless Negrenses.
The event showcased not only the elegance of its candidates but also their dedication to meaningful causes.
As one of the most anticipated highlights of the Panaad sa Negros Festival, it brought together communities from across Negros Occidental to celebrate beauty with a purpose./JB, WDJ