For decades, LGBTQ+ community longed for acceptance and respect that were deprived from them by the society.
Beauty pageants are just few of the avenues that help uplift and support their community as it offers them opportunities for self-expression, advocacy, and foster community connections.
The Province of Cotabato’s “Cotabato Kulayaan Queen 2025” empowered participants to defy societal expectations, give them platform to display their skills, and cultivate a sense of pride and belonging.
On July 12, 2025, the University of Southern Mindanao Gymnasium (USM) in Kabacan, Cotabato Province, was transformed into a grandiose, visually stunning, and elaborate setup, similar to the quality of production seen in the Miss Universe competitions.
It was the most fabulous pageant I had witnessed so far: from the production numbers, the hosts, and the renowned panel of judges, Cotabato Kulayaan Queen 2025 Grand Coronation Night was a powerful and colorful show of PRIDE.
The dazzling stage was occupied by 23 stunning candidates representing various municipalities of the Province of Cotabato vied for the title by showcasing wit, talent, and beauty.
They were more than just pretty faces; they were confidently beautiful with a twist.
What made the competition splendid was the attendance of well-loved Drag Queens Eva Le Queen, Drag Race PH finalist; RuPaul’s Drag Race Global All Stars, M1ss Jade So, also known as M1ss Jade So Colby, drag performer and one of the contestants during the second season of Drag Race Philippines; and Khianna, drag performer and contestant during the third season of Drag Race Philippines who sit as panel of judges along with Yllana Marie Aduana, Miss Philippines Earth 2023; Juul Messiaen, Man of the World 2025; Chelsea Fernandez, Miss Cosmo Philippines 2025; and Jojo Bragais, a top shoe designer.
Adding a layer of excitement and star power to the event was the presence of Hana Beshie, Drag Race Philippines Season 2 Runner-Up, and television personality and LGBTQIA+ rights advocate Kalad Karen as hosts of the competition.
The night was enlivened more with a performance of actor, singer and model Vin Abrenica, who serenaded not just the candidates, but also the crowd.
Along with the audience, we applauded and cheered for our favorite candidates.
When the smoke cleared, Yuan Gubaton from the Municipality of President Roxas was hailed as Cotabato Kulayaan Queen 2025. Completing her entourage were Khiara Lumantao of Kidapawan City as Kulayaan Queen Charity and Jysn Sore of Pigcawayan as Kulayaan Queen Tourism.
Launched by the compassionate and gorgeous Rep. Ma. Alana Samantha T. Santos of the Third District of Cotabato Province, under the wings of Governor Emmylou T. Mendoza, Kulayaan is one of the most anticipated celebration of pride, beauty, inclusivity, and empowerment in the province as it symbolizes courage, authenticity, and unity.
“We wanted to have programs especially in the marginalized sector, and Kulayaan was one of them. We are not only giving them a platform but also pushing for the awareness and advocacy of the LGBTQIA community,” Santos said.
Collectively, it was not only a spectacle of “world-class” production, but also a promotion of the LGBTQIA+ community’s rights and value, which is among the programs of the Province of Cotabato under the banner “Serbisyong Totoo at Serbisyo At Malasakit” across all sectors.
Congratulations, ladies. Let your rainbow flag proudly fly high!
