VICTORIAS City’s Jada Biaxyl Celeste was crowned the Lin-ay sang Negros 2025 during the coronation night held at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City Friday night, March 28.
Celeste, 21, dominated the competition, winning two major awards, including Best in Swimwear and Best in Evening Gown.
Celeste, an advocate of women’s empowerment and gender equality, bested 26 candidates representing various towns and cities of Negros Occidental.
Celeste’s wit, radiant beauty and captivating personality impressed the judges, excelling in rounds of swimwear, evening gown competition and question and answer.
When asked “People often say that promises are made to be broken. What is your advice to your best friend who is about to break a promise,” a portion of Celeste’s answer was: “Promises are meant to be fulfilled, just like how we do it every year here in Panaad sa Negros.”
With Celeste’s victory, Victorias City solidifies its reputation as a powerhouse in the Lin-ay Sang Negros pageant, securing its fourth crown alongside previous winners Ma. Victorias Durana in 2000, Alyssa Jimenea-Montecino in 2016 and Kyla Rose Romarate in 2024.
Lin-ay sang Ilog, Maxine Martin, and Lin-ay sang Manapla, Julianah Cassandra Makilan, were declared as 1st and 2nd runners-up, respectively.
The grand coronation night was hosted by renowned TV host Robi Domingo and rising Negrosanon artist Pau Dimaranan.
Among the esteemed board of judges were Miss Earth 2004 Priscilla Meirelles, Miss Asia Pacific International 1st Runner-up Blessa Ericha Figueroa, veteran actress Tessie Tomas, Lin-ay sang Negros 2007 Dr. Christer Mari Taclobos and ACEN OPS vice president Lord Lee Van Burgos.
Adding to the evening’s glamour, former Pinoy Big Brother housemate Argel Saycon serenaded the candidates and the audience. / MAP