ALBARICO (MassKara Festival 2026)
BACOLOD CITY – A 24-year-old Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) councilor from Bago City, Negros Occidental was crowned Miss Bacolod MassKara 2026 as part of the 47th MassKara Festival here on Sunday, Oct. 11.
Macy Alaine Albarico, who represented Barangay Singcang Airport, bested 14 other candidates in the pageant and coronation night at STI-West Negros University Gymnasium which highlighted women’s empowerment, local heritage, and community service.
The youth leader and environmental advocate received P150,000, a sash, a bouquet, and bagged the Miss Congeniality award.
Albarico, a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Financial Management, works as a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) agent and plans to use her title to promote coastal conservation and responsible waste management, particularly among young people.
She described winning the crown as the fulfillment of a long-held dream and credited her family, glam team, and community for their support throughout the competition.
“So, the crown would not be mine alone, rather it is our crown,” Albarico said.
Albarico was also crowned Lin-ay sang Pontevedra 2025 and Diwata sang Bago 2023 second runner-up in Negros Occidental.
Julie Mikayla Borja of Barangay Mansilingan was first runner-up and received P100,000, a sash, and a bouquet, while Maria Zonora Ellyssa Curaza of Barangay Sum-ag was second runner-up, receiving P50,000, a sash, and a bouquet.
Completing the Top 5 were Kyla Aligaga of Barangay Pahanocoy and Daniella Louisse B. Merelos of Barangay 32.
During the question-and-answer round, Albarico highlighted the need to expand opportunities for Bacolodnons when asked what she would change for the city.
“If I were to pull a string for this city, that would be the strength of opportunities,” Albarico said, emphasizing the importance of access to jobs, seminars, and information that can help residents improve their lives and contribute to the city’s progress.
Borja won four special awards, Best in Festival Costume, Best in Gown, Best in Talent, and Darling of Social Media.
Aaron Spencer Marin was named Best Festival Costume Designer for the costume worn by Borja while Reina Caspe won Best Gown Design for the gown worn by Margarette Ymballa of Barangay Taculing.
Curaza received the Miss Photogenic award, Aligaga won Best in Production Number, and Lourdeth Codico of Barangay Bata was named Best in Swimwear.
Mayor Greg Gasataya congratulated all candidates who graced the stage, poured their hearts out, and made this year's pageant meaningful.
“Padayon, Bacoleña!” (Keep going Bacoleña), he said, as he acknowledged them for embodying the heart, resilience, and beauty of Bacolod.
The pageant’s creative direction celebrated Bacolod’s cultural identity through local landmarks and symbols, with the Bacolod City Public Plaza serving as inspiration for the Evening Gown Competition.
This year’s creative narrative explored women taking control of their own identities and destinies, using the imagery of dolls in a child’s play as a metaphor for self-determination and empowerment.
Leading the panel of judges were Bea Millan-Windorsky, who is set to represent the Philippines at the Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico, and Asia Rose Simpson of Miss World Philippines.
Sen. Risa Hontiveros graced the event and recalled the tragedies and difficult circumstances that confronted Bacolod in the 1980s, which helped inspire the creation of the MassKara Festival as a symbol of resilience and hope.
