CANDIDATE No. 10 Aragen Rojero, 19, was crowned as the 2018 Pasalamat Festival Queen.

She bested 15 other candidates during the pageant competition held on April 28 at La Carlota City.

Last year’s Festival Queen Claudette del Castillo relinquished the crown to the new Queen.

She was assisted by former fourth district representative Jeffrey Ferrer and La Carlota City Mayor Luis Jalandoni III and Board of Judges chairman Rodney Ascalon.

Candidate No. 5 Vina Marie Peña finished first runner-up while Candidate No. 3 Jan Marie Bordon was second runner-up.

Special awards

The new queen was also named Miss Central Azucarera de La Carlota, Incorporada, and Miss Alpha Global Prestige.

Peña was an early crowd favorite and was named as Miss Talent; Best Festival Costume; Best in Swimsuit; and Best in Evening Gown.

She also received special awards such as Miss Natasha Beauty; Miss PNB Prestige; Miss Emperador Light; Miss Amazing Personal Collection; Miss Anejo Gold; and Miss 2GO Travel.

Peña was also named as Miss Homecore; Miss Du Ek Sam-Honda Philippines; and Miss San Mig Light.

Other candidates who are also named are:

Candidate No. 4 Queenie Edessa Amarante was named Café Lupe’s Choice

Candidate No. 6 Jessela Estrella, Miss Roxol Bio-Energy Corporation

Candidate No. 7 Ella Mae Mercado, Miss Natasha, and Miss Primera Light

Candidate No. 8 Cindy Joy Emboltorio, Globe Texter’s Choice

Candidate No. 9 Shobie Nareyanne Yao, Miss Friendship, Miss Du Ek Sam Devant, Miss First Valley Bank

Candidate No. 11 Aubrey Mattenai Rojo, Miss LBZ Marketing/Pepsi, Miss Photogenic; Candidate No. 12 Jacqueline Almogen, Miss Talent; and Candidate No. 14 Ezra de los Reyes was named Miss GSM Blue.