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:
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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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. |
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