THE Province of Cotabato crowned its new Kulayaan Queen 2025 on July 12, 2025, at the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) in Kabacan, Cotabato, a symbol of inclusivity, courage, and empowerment.
Out of 23 candidates, Candidate No. 8, Yuan Gubaton from the Municipality of President Roxas, emerged victorious in the province’s first and largest LGBTQIA+ pageant, Kulayaan 2025.
Gubaton secured the crown with her powerful response to the final question: “In an article written by Westerman in 2023, a survey showed that many Filipinos now believe that gays and lesbians are trustworthy and contribute to society’s progress. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, how will you prove that this trust and belief in your value to society are valid?”
She responded confidently: “You know what, coming into this competition I have a lot of regrets to myself when I ran for a position as SK Chairwoman in my community, [as] people began to question my capabilities. I was told that I would never be enough as a public servant because I am a transwoman but that moment I began to challenge that status quo of the community and I aimed the trust and belief from my community that it’s never about the gender, it’s not about the status in life, it’s how you can amplify voices and make an impact in the society. I may be different, we may be different, but we always make a difference.”
Her answer received a resounding applause at the final question-and-answer portion.
Kulayaan Queen Charity was awarded to Candidate No. 11, Khiara Lumantao of Kidapawan City, while Kulayaan Queen Tourism went to Candidate No. 15, Jysn Sore of Pigcawayan.
The First Runner-Up was Candidate No. 17, Deanna Dianna of the Third District Contractors Association, and the Second Runner-Up was Candidate No. 20, Maria Atisha of Kabacan.
The Kulayaan Pageant was launched by Rep. Ma. Alana Samantha Taliño Santos of the third district under Governor Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza’s "Serbisyong Totoo" initiative.
Rojean Grace G. Patumbon/SunStar Photo
Rojean Grace G. Patumbon/SunStar PhotoIn a media interview, Santos shared that the pageant was first held in 2024, making this the second edition. She explained that the initiative is now part of a broader sectoral approach for inclusivity across Cotabato. During the first edition, they also offered free services such as manicures and pedicures.
“We not only gave them a platform but also have programs for all… We are also conducting this for HIV awareness and of course mga advocacies ng mga kababaihan ng LGBTQIA community natin [the advocacies of the women of LGBTQIA+ community],” she said.
The event was star-studded and hosted by drag queen Haba Beshie and well-known personality Kaladkaren. The distinguished panel of judges included Jojo Bragais, founder of Bragais Shoes; Miss Philippines Earth 2023 Yllana Marie Aduana; Miss Cosmo Philippines 2025 Chelsea Fernandez; Man of the World 2025 Juul Messiaen; and celebrated drag queens Eva Le Queen, Khianna with a K, and Miss Jade So.
The audience went wild as the three drag queens delivered an explosive performance that left the auditorium in awe.
All 23 candidates were serenaded by actor and singer Vin Abrenica, who performed Pretty Lady, along with OPM classics Hinahanap-Hanap Kita and Yakap sa Dilim. Abrenica also sang Magasin, during which many in the crowd got the chance to hug, shake hands with, or receive a blown kiss from the star. RGP