The MassKara Queen
beauty pageant

It was a spectacular evening!

The MassKara Queen beauty pageant was filled with spine-tingling excitement, tense drama (nobody knew until the last moment who would win the crown), fabulous gowns, seductive contestants in their form-fitting swimsuits, smart answers in the Question and Answer Portion, and most of all, the alluring faces of the beauties.

I was invited to be one of the judges for the Finals Night and when we got to the jam-packed La Salle Auditorium, the place was electric with wild anticipation from the eager crowd. There were cheers and applause when the giant screens flashed the faces of each candidate. The cheers and clapping grew louder as the candidates, dressed in whimsical winged tutus in pink silk organza by Bamboo Tonogbanua, walked down the ramp to greet the audience.

The emcees, JM Rodriguez and Agnes Chang, MassKara Queen 2010, were on the ball and kept the three-hour show going at a fast pace. The candidates strutted onstage proudly in their revealing swimsuits to the delight of the crowd. Entertainment numbers were provided by the MassKara Dancers, champion of “Showtime”, Grupo ni Utod, Dwight Rodrigazo Dance Pull Dancers, Kulay Pikata and best of all, John Medina of “Walang Hanggan”, whose performance thrilled the euphoric audience who roared into cacophonic approval.

The Evening Gown Portion was a veritable feast of incandescently-beautiful gowns by our top couturiers, which left the audience spellbound. The most thrilling moment was the Q&A, featuring the three finalists who were asked what image best describes how good life is in Bacolod.

Ena Louis Velasco, a Biology student of USLS, won the judges' nod with her answer – “A smile, because it depicts the happiness of the Bacoleños, who, despite their hardships, still smile showing a positive outlook in life”. When her name was called out as the winner, the place exploded into an approving roar from the audience.

Kudos to the MQ organizers, especially to executive producer, Carmela Arcolas. You've come a long way, baby!*