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BANISILAN, Philippines — Less than a four-hour drive from Cagayan de Oro is a quaint little municipality in North Cotabato called Banisilan. From the airport in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental, a first-time visitor will have to pass through Talakag, Bukidnon and Wao, Lanao del Sur to arrive at this agri-production town, which produces corn, palay, rubber, sugar cane and fruit trees. Banisilan derived its name from a fresh-water shell called the Banisil, said to be abundant in this area located at the northern quadrant of Cotabato Province. Its creation as a municipality dated back to the time of President Ramon Magsaysay, who signed Proclamation No. 317 dated July 17, 1956 reserving an area for a resettlement project, which attracted hundreds of landless and qualified citizens coming from all over the country
Photos: Phillip Vallespin
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Bu’gaya Festival
On February 8, 1982, Batas Pambansa Bilang 141 was approved, thereby creating Banisilan. This year, it is celebrating its 44th Founding Anniversary and the first Bu’gaya Festival. “Bu’gaya Festival is the vibrant cultural celebration of Banisilan, honoring the town’s rich agricultural heritage, cultural diversity, and united community spirit,” said Primo Nemitz Zayas, the festival director. “The word Bu’gaya, common among Maguindanaoans, Ilonggos and the Manobo, is inspired by local heritage and is closely associated with abundance, harvest, and prosperity—reflecting Banisilan’s fertile lands and hardworking farmers.”
More than a celebration, it is a thanksgiving for blessings, a tribute to resilience, and a showcase of Banisilan’s identity as a thriving agricultural town. The inaugural event featured agri-booths, street dancing, video and photo competitions, and concerts among many other festive activities.
Singer Josh Adornado
A major highlight, however, was the fast-paced and exciting Mutya ng Banisilan pageant, which started in 2004 with Faith Joy Carbon as the first winner. From the onset, Zayas (and his Primo events) has been the pageant director while Charlie Villalba is the project director to this day.
From simple barrio lasses, the 24 candidates were transformed into glamorous maidens by Team Nanivon, headed by Nanan Villalba, and his hair and makeup team assembled from Manila, Midsayap (Cotabato), Jasaan (Misamis Oriental) and Cagayan de Oro: Hernane Paniza, Iwa Ajinomoto, Renzin Paran, Brent Raully Olaco, Rodel Panjara, Charlz Manquiquis, and Kleng Totanes.
GLAM TEAM NANIVON
Throughout the competition, the young girls were styled by Style Firm by Zoe Botwin, assisted by Mekaila McLen and Marian Nave Saburao. Nathalie Yap served as stage manager and personality development trainer; Christer Kim as communication skills trainer; and Livestream B Ads for lights, sound and stage design.
The hosts were Elton Ladd and Clarissa Westram, the Miss Universe Philippines Cotabato 2026, with voiceover by Christer Kim. Josh Adornado of GMA’s The Clash serenaded the candidates, while the Sandowa Dose Dance Company, OffLimitz, and Altas Entertainment provided enlivening dance moves. The candidates all wore Primo Design Studio Collection Swimwear, and shoes by Jojo Bragais.
Host Elton Ladd
MANDALUYONG, Philippines — The highly urbanized city, with the old name of San Felipe Neri, was founded in 1841, chartered on March 27, 1907, and was renamed Mandaluyong on November 6, 1931. Ratified through a plebiscite on April 10, 1994, Mandaluyong became the fifth city in Metro Manila.
The New Tiger Queen
The pageant itself began in 2000, with Thammie Aliwalas of Barangay Hulo as the first winner. The Grand Coronation Night was held on February 6, at the Mandaluyong College of Science and Technology. It was directed by Ferdinand Candelaria and hosted by Nolan V. Angeles of the Cultural Affairs & Tourism Department, with the Honorable Mayor Carmelita A. Abalos as the pageant chairman.
Miss Mandaluyong 2026 is Alyssa Mildred Villariña, 25, of Buayang Bato. She succeeds Miss Mandaluyong 2025 Bella Maria Fall of Barangay Hagdan Bato Libis. who passed on the Karilagan Crown to the next Queen of the Tiger City.
The first runner-up is Hannah Patricia Camu of Barangay New Zaniga, the second runner-up is Sunshine Gabuat of Barangay Addition Hills, the third runner-up is Habie Mondido of Barangay Malamig, and the fourth runner-up is Atacia Juliana Mejia of Barangay Mauway.
The barangays of Daang Bakal and Old Zañiga did not send representatives. The 20 other delegates were Maica Lorilla of Bagong Silang; Zabrian Maglaya of Barangka Drive; Jan Erica Buenavides of Barangka Ibaba; Arwenn Jermoinee Ticman of Ilaya; Jasmine Castro of Barangka Itaas; Geleen de Vera of Burol
Zia Nicole Evidente of Hagdan Bato Itaas; Kerstin Cassandra Dequito of Hagdan Bato Libis; Veronica Cruz of Harapin Ang Bukas; Danica Mae Catalma of Highway Hills; Lizzie Jasmine McKenzie of Hulo; Leslee Dennise Santos of Mabini–J.Rizal; Katrina Rose Alibanto of Namayan;
Cassandra Jane Hernandez of Pag-Asa; Khryzia Kemia Mijares of Plainview; Charlynn Ann Icban of Pleasant Hills; Nicole Jamiel Poblador of Poblacion; Jayra Aquino of San Jose ; Aira Mae Concepcion of Vergara; and Sarah Ann Gerber of Wack-Wack Greenhills.
Miss Mandaluyong 2026 - Alyssa Mildred Villariña
“Miss Mandaluyong has significantly evolved into not just an ordinary battle of beauty and personality. For more than two decades, it has taken the center stage as the premier local beauty pageant search in the Tiger City,” said Leo Paredes Urmeneta, the creative and the corporate communications and pageant brand head.
“It serves as the launching pad for potential beauty-queen contenders before they compete in various national and international pageants,” added Urmeneta. “’Beauty with a Heart’ has been the mantra of our search for the “lady who is more than just a beautiful face.”
Now in its 26th Year and on its continuing legacy, the Miss Mandaluyong Pageant goes beyond the celebration of beauty. It serves as a meaningful platform that recognizes young women who exemplify confidence, character, purpose, and commitment to community development.
The swimsuit was designed by Ricky Abad, production dress by Tina Dania, shoes by Jojo Bragais, evening gown by Val Taguba, and crowns, scepter, cape and brooch made by Edwin Uy.
The selection committee included Miss Earth 2004 Priscilla Meirelles, Man of the World 2024 Sergio Azuaga, Miss International 2025 G9urth Runner-up Myrna Esguerra, Mister International 2023 1st Runner-up Austin Dizon, Mister Supranational 2025 Fourth Runner-up Kenneth Cabingcal, Miss Earth Water 2024 Bea Millan Windorski, top fashion director Robby Carmona, and Isabel Candida Gonzales
Candidates in Val Taguba evening gowns
