In Negros Oriental, a beauty pageant featuring candidates with no makeup

Different from the usual glitz and glamour on the pageant scene, Negros Oriental launched a beauty pageant that featured candidates with no makeup.

In a Facebook post a week ago, the Negrosanon Palanggaon shared barefaced looks of the 25 grand finalists vying for the crown and title of #NoFilter Negrosanon Queen 2021.

“We are giving you a one of a kind and unique online pageant that celebrates the true beauty of a Negrosanon lady that is raw, authentic and unfiltered,” they wrote in the caption.

“#NoFilter: The Search for Negrosanon Queen 2021” was held last February 6 through a live broadcast on Facebook.

Kathryn May Gadingan Salacut from Tayasan brought the crown home with her inspiring answer in the question and answer portion of the competition.

“I found hope because I was able to survive COVID. As a survivor, it taught me various lessons that I need to keep in myself. My patience was tested as well as my faith in God,” she said.

Kathryn Mae joined the pageant to be a source of inspiration and a voice for children and the marginalized.

"But one thing that really hit me was to think of those unfortunate people who have been struggling more than I [have]. I think of those children who live by the streets while their rights are being compromised and that’s what became my source of strength,” she said.

“I joined the #NoFilter Negrosanon Queen for I know that through this pageant, I will be able to use my voice to speak for the poor and hungry during this pandemic. I believe that a Negrosanon queen embodies the core values of humanity, spreading love and positivity, and not withholding her capacity to help people, but rather by telling others that there is more to life and that life is worth living,” she added.

She also won Best in Swimsuit, Best in Gown and Best Speaker. First runner-up was Daphne Kyara Algarme from Bais City while second runner-up was Renelyn Deguit from Ayungon. — Franchesca Viernes/LA, GMA News