By Recthie T. Paculba
CAMIGUIN (PIA) — The island of Camiguin came alive with color, culture, and grace during the staging of Mutya sa Buahanan 2025—one of the highlights of the 46th Lanzones Festival, October 24.
“The Mutya sa Buahanan, ang atong pageant karon (our pageant today), has always been one of the most anticipated and one of the brightest moments of our Lanzones Festival. It’s a night of beauty and elegance, yes, but it is also a night that reminds us of our pride as Camiguingnons and our joy in celebrating who we are,” said Gov. Xavier Jesus Romualdo.
The governor also expressed his gratitude to all the organizers, sponsors, and partners for their dedication, calling this year’s celebration “our best festival ever.”
“We do it not to outshine others but to honor who we are, a people of kindness, unity. We do this because Camiguin deserves the best and Camiguinians deserve the best. That is what guides us to serve with responsibility, to work with care, and to honor the unity that defines us as a people,” the governor added.
For his part, Rep. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo emphasized the importance of maintaining good health, truthfulness in public discourse, and continuous development in the province.
“Tonight, we are celebrating beauty with a purpose. With awareness and better habits, we can age in strength and grace. Live life in moderation. Living kanang attitude nga (with the attitude that) you live only once. Always find time for self-preservation or rejuvenation,” he said.
The evening culminated with the coronation of Erica Jean Cadayday of the Liga ng mga Barangay as Mutya sa Buahanan 2025, whose elegance and confidence captivated both the judges and the audience. She also swept the special awards for Best in Opening Production Number, Best in Festival Costume, and Best in Long Gown.
Following her were Dannah Joy Tempra of Camiguin Isla Trading as 1st Runner-Up, who also won Miss Photogenic and Best in Swimsuit; Christina Vanhefflin of the Provincial Government of Camiguin as 2nd Runner-Up; Nadine Faith McCoy of the Municipality of Sagay as 3rd Runner-Up; and Alyssa Bella Suarez of the Municipality of Mambajao as 4th Runner-Up. The title of Miss Friendship went to Janine Silvano of Born of Fire Liner Inc.
Spectators from across the region praised the production’s world-class quality and execution. Christer Enobio, a visitor from Cagayan de Oro City, described the show as “on an entirely new level,” noting the seamless flow, elegant staging, and exceptional performances.
“I’ve been following this pageant for years, and it’s extraordinary to witness how it has evolved into such a grand, world-class spectacle. Every element, from the staging to the overall flow, radiated excellence and artistry,” she shared.
Enobio added that witnessing the event has become a highlight of his festival experience. “My visit to Camiguin during the Lanzones Festival would never be complete without seeing how the island pays homage to its essence—celebrating culture and the spirit of women who epitomize the pride and heart of a true Camiguingnon.”
As the pageant ended, Romualdo said the message of the celebration went beyond crowns and beauty—it became a reminder of the values that bind the people of Camiguin together.
“May we never forget that true beauty is not only seen but felt. It lives in how we treat one another, how we care for our community, and how we lift each other up in kindness, in service, in love for this beautiful island province we call home,” Gov. Romualdo said. (RTP/PIA-10/Camiguin)
###
