Returning aspirant crowned Miss Bacolod MassKara 2025

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By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Sophia Kaye Zaragoza of Barangay Estefania was crowned Miss Bacolod MassKara 2025 during the coronation night on Sunday, marking a successful comeback after going unplaced in last year’s competition.

Zaragoza, 19, a tourism management freshman at the University of St. La Salle, bested 14 other aspirants for the crown.

Representing Barangay Singcang Airport, she also won several major awards, including Best in Festival Costume, Best in Costume Design, and EP Studio Miss Photogenic for her Ati-Atihan-inspired costume.

She became the first recipient of the Legacy Media Award, a new recognition given by members of the local press for outstanding media presence and public engagement.

Zaragoza also received several corporate awards.

During the question-and-answer portion, she underscored the importance of inclusivity in festivals like MassKara, saying it should remain a “Festival for All” by welcoming PWDs, the LGBTQ+ community, and even pets.

Zaragoza trained under the Powerhouse School of Talents led by Jelliane Rose Dinorog Villacuatro to enhance her stage presence and communication skills.

Aside from pageantry, Zaragoza is also pursuing entrepreneurship, following the example of her mother.

Her victory capped a determined return to the Miss Bacolod MassKara stage, which organizers described as a “sweet comeback” for the young beauty queen.

Placing first runner-up is Ysa Wuthrich, a first-timer in the world of pageantry and a crowd favorite.

Wuthrich got the Digital Media Award and nine corporate awards during the coronation night.

Named second runner-up is Mary Angelique Faye Caballero, who was also adjudged Best in Swimwear, Miss Congeniality, and Best in Production Number.

The Miss Bacolod MassKara pageant is one of the highlights of the MassKara Festival 2025, handled by the Bacolod Gugma Foundation headed by Rodney Mitz Ascalon, festival director.