THE Mabalacat City Government crowned a new beauty queen over the weekend.

Nicole Easton from Xevera Subdivision bested 16 other contenders during the Queen Mabalacat 2020 Coronation Night on February 1.

Also crowned during the pageant were Chireen Mae Mora Javier, first runner-up, from Barangay Duquit; and Shallon Grixy Balatbat Soriano, second runner-up, from Barangay Tabun.

Queen Mabalacat 2020 is part of the City Government's celebration of the Caragan Festival.

During the pageant, the Power Mabalacat City Center for the Arts (PMCCA) rendered an explosive opening production number that featured the 1994 Miss Universe held in the Philippines as one of its theme.

Aside from the beauty search, another highlight of the Fiestang Caragan 2020 is a street dance competition, which will be held on February 21.

Caragan is an annual festival celebrated in honor of the Aeta chieftain who founded the city.