Brgy. Libid celebrates 50th Grand Santacruzan with 'Reyna at Konsorte' competition

 

GMA Sparkle Artist and rising actress Faith Da Silva takes on the role of the Mayflower Queen at the Grand Santacruzan. Joining the 'Sang'gre: Encantadia Chronicles' star is fellow Sparke Artist Bryce Eusebio. They will be joined by crown bearers Reyna Elena Khloe Zolenn Gabrielle Anore, Haring Konstantino Calum Izaak Aparato, and Santa Elena Rose Camille Opiniano.  

These five lead roles and the rest of the Grand Santacruzan participants are all set to parade in full regalia down the historic route, starting at the Pamahalaang Barangay Libid. The event is also a chance to shine a spotlight on local landmarks—like the ever-resilient Kalbaryo Hill with its lightning-struck steel cross, and the newly declared National Cultural Treasure, Santa Ursula Church. (Read: NCCA names Sta.Ursula Parish a National Cultural Treasure)

Started in 1975, a number of participants either as Reyna Elena or Emperatriz ended up as big names in showbusiness soon after – from the likes of Judy Ann Santos, Bea Alonzo, Pauline Mendoza, Arra San Agustin, Sofia Pablo, and Ysabel Ortega, to name a few.

“May kakaibang magic talaga ang Santacruzan ng Libid. Parang may gabay,” said Grand Santacruzan Director Gomer Celestial.

Brgy. Libid Grand Santacruzan Director Gomer Celestial

No wonder more and more youth and fresh faces are eager to join Brgy. Libid Grand Santacruzan. 

Culture, Heritage, and Faith

The Santacruzan holds significant cultural and religious importance in predominantly Catholic countries like the Philippines. It’s a grand, beautiful procession showcasing the flowers of summer, magical lights, beautiful women in their stunning Filipinianas and handsome consorts in their dainty barongs.

For the faithful, it serves as a living catechism, visually narrating biblical stories and the virtues of key figures from the Old and New Testaments. Beyond its religious aspect, the Santacruzan fosters community spirit, bringing people together in planning, participation, and celebration. It also plays a crucial role in preserving Filipino traditions, passing down customs, costumes, and religious values from one generation to the next, ensuring the enduring legacy of this cherished cultural event.

The home of Grand Santacruzan in Binangonan, Rizal, Brgy. Libid is once again prepping up for its May 4, 2025 Grand Santacruzan starting at 4:00 PM. Moreover, the Reyna at Konsorte ng Santacruzan competition is also making a grand comeback. After its pandemic pause in 2020 and 2021, the queen and consort contest is finally taking place again for the golden anniversary of Brgy. Libid Grand Santacruzan.

“Hindi ito basta-basta patimpalak ng ganda. Dito, ipinagmamalaki natin ang ating kasaysayan, pananampalataya, at ang ating pagka-Pilipino,” said Celestial, who launched the beucon concept back in 2019.

Brgy. Libid Chairman Aga Anore

“Iba ang Libid. Kami ang tahanan ng Grand Santacruzan ng Binangonan. We wanted something more meaningful for the contest Reyna at Konsorte ng Santacruzan, instead of the common “Mr. and Ms.” titles. Mas malalim. Mas may puso,” Brgy. Libid Chairman Gil “Aga” Anore said.

Reyna at Konsorte ng Santacruzan 2025

A unique twist on the usual pageant format, instead of the usual questions & answers and talent portions, candidates are celebrated for their presence, charm, and how gracefully they carry the modern takes on the traditional Filipiniana and Barong Tagalog. More than a beauty pageant, it’s about how the contestants beautifully wear their culture, heritage, and faith.

The press presentation for this year’s participants was held on April 13 at Café de Lawa, a cozy coffee shop and restaurant overlooking the peaceful waters of Laguna de Bay. When asked why they joined this year’s Santacruzan, majority of the 16 pairs of young and vibrant youths wished to use the platform for them to know and empower themselves as individuals and as citizens of the world.

All first timers in a pageant competition, many of them also echoed one shared dream: to become showbiz personalities. “Gusto ko maipakita ang talents ko, ma-enhance ang self-confidence ko, at and pinaka-importante po ay makatulong sa pamilya ko,” many contestants said citing other or similar reasons.

Miss Rhea Ynares

Reyna Emperatriz 1999 Rhea Ynares, who is now running as Mayor of Binangonan, graced the event and expressed her willingness to guide and empower the youth in many projects she has outlined for them including boot camps and other platforms.

VIP guests with the Manila media team, including this writer (3rd from left), posed for a photo after the presentation of the Reyna at Konsorte candidates.