#kabankalan

Originally published on January 16th, 2026 due to serious overslept issues from our editorial news department, resulting both lack of energy and catching up.

(Written by Andrea Davenport & Dominique Resuma Canio / Online News Correspondent of The Brighton Bugle, and Regional News Contributor of OneNETnews)

KABANKALAN, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL -- The Hiligaynon community of "Sinulog sa Kabankalan" celebrates its historic 50th Golden Anniversary, and one of the best highlights of the event was the pageant display as the centerpiece of the celebration held within the selected barangays.

Twelve (12) beautiful pageant contestants, coming from different institutions of learning, including high schools, universities, and colleges located at Kabankalan City Plaza (KCP), stepped into the limelight Thursday night at around 8pm onwards (January 15th, 2026 -- Kabankalan local time), vying for the most prestigious title in their respective province. Not to be confused with the Sinulog Festival Queen as a sister flagship event, which will be held tomorrow on Friday (January 16th). Quad Cities newspaper outlet 'The Brighton Bugle' had to stand at the front row to this cultural milestone, bringing the glamour of the Negrosanons above the north to our global audience.

The evening began with a brief delay from 7pm as the event organizers of Kabankalan Sinulog Foundation (KSF) who attentively making some last-minute changes for this golden jubilee celebration, but it was definitely well worth it. Hosted by Miss Universe (MU) 2025's 3rd runner-up 'Ahtisa Manalo' hailing from the Province of Quezon, and a charming 'Hanz Denzil Villahermosa' from Dumaguete City.

The pressure was on as these pageant of contestants faced an esteemed panel of judges seated at a table, with MU Negros Occidental representative 'Alexandria Margarette Colmenares', former veteran local radio anchor of 'Radyo Bandera: Sweet FM' (now 'K5 News FM Dumaguete') & the current City Councilor of Bayawan named 'Mark Fidencio "AbayDan" Logronio Aurelia'; pageant representative at MU 'Erica Jean Cadayday'; pro scuba dive master of 'Aqua Ventura Divers' & Negros Oriental male pageant 'Joeren King Finney'; and Philippines first MU 1969 winner 'Gloria Diaz'.

With the music at full throttle, the event entered the highly-awaited segment of the pageant, the Swimsuit Competition. Twelve (12) regional candidates exuded unmatched confidence and sportswoman-like vigor, evoking the energetic health and dynamism of the Negrense woman. All candidates paraded the runway in choreographed swim costumes that reflected the tropical colors and fiesta spirit, showcasing they are as tough as they are lovely.

But the group dynamic changed completely, going from energetic and exciting to simply stunning, in the Evening Gown competition. This was seriously a masterclass in "it-girl" fashion! The catwalk was a dazzling display of sparkles, beads and flowing designs everywhere you looked. These were not simply Filipiniana gowns, they were pieces of art exemplifying the expert craftsmanship of local designers. The elegance and refinement shown by the models had the audience and judges holding their collective breath everywhere.

Filipino judges like Gloria and among others, need to engage in careful consideration to identify the leading candidates for various minor awards, each with a cash prize of PHP5,000 (or U$D84 bucks). These awards include titles such as 'Best in Talent', 'Miss Photogenic', 'Miss Congeniality', and more. This process has narrowed the competition down to the Semi-Finals in no particular order for the Top 6, namely 'Shakerah B. Perocho' (18 y/o from Barangay Camugao), 'Prncs. Alea Vargas Bestuir' (18 y/o from Brgy. Daan Banwa), 'Zuria Mae S. Mirano' (19 y/o from Brgy. Camingawan), 'Jasai Almedos Beronio' (22 y/o from Brgy. Inapoy), 'Johanna Marie A. Oyog' (19 y/o from Brgy. Oringao), and 'Carla Marie O. Carmona' (21 y/o from Poblacion 3).

After a very challenging Question and Answer (Q&A) portion that probed their wit, intelligence & heart… The judges arrived at their last deliberation. In an exciting turn of events, The Brighton Bugle and OneNETnews are the first to disclose the official and final results for the barangay queen winner in Kabankalan City, celebrating a remarkable overnight achievement.

The 2nd runner-up title, with a cash prize of PHP20,000 Philippine pesos (roughly U$D340) goes to Camingawan, while the 1st runner-up belongs to Poblacion 3, snagging the prize of PHP30,000 (about U$D504). Sinulog sa Kabankalan's Grand Golden Champion of the evening, and the prize of PHP50,000 (or U$D841) goes to Oringao. This year's selection projected winner of Miss Sinulog is 'Johanna Marie Oyog'.

Oyog's win was a moment of pure magic. Being a winner of the minor awards as well, she is expected to take home, close to more or less than PHP70,000. Per the Philippine law, prizes beyond the amount of PHP10,000 are subject to withholding tax through the Bureau of Internal Revenue's regional district office (BIR-RDO) in Binalbagan, which will be handled by the respective event organizers at KSF.

As we wrap up the golden milestone for this year's "Miss Sinulog" glorifying the "Sinulog sa Kabankalan" to pay tribute to the 'Señor Santo Niño', through a sister flagship festival in Metro Cebu, the Negrosanon community came together in celebrating the cultural heart and northern soul of the Hiligaynons.

It has been our supreme joy to observe the passion, tradition, and marvelous skills possessed by these young Negrense women, and we shall not soon forget this experience that we have. Congratulations to 'Johanna Oyog' for this stunning display of a golden milestone! You have truly set the gold standard for celebrations.

Needless to say, the excitement is far from over. While the Kabankalanons rejoice and join in the night of celebrations, the global newspaper team of The Brighton Bugle, and Dumaguete's internet public news media OneNETnews will be catching both a bus and ferry transportation to Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) in Metro Cebu via 'San Carlos, Negros Occidental' as we continue the Sinulog journey coming next weekend on Sunday morning (January 18th)! You won't want to miss a single second of the 'Festival of Festivals'.

SCREENGRAB COURTESY: 101.3mhz DYLR-FM Heart FM Kabankalan via FB VIDEO BACKGROUND PROVIDED BY: TEGNA

SOURCES: *https://archive.org/details/miss-sinulog-kabankalan-2026/ *https://www.facebook.com/100087236301605/posts/841349658782903 *https://www.facebook.com/61554273385471/posts/122246598560142446 *https://www.facebook.com/61574586508298/posts/122152158398819550 *https://www.facebook.com/61574586508298/posts/122152164392819550 *https://www.facebook.com/100084064746848/posts/885352030943614 *https://www.facebook.com/61574586508298/posts/122152167056819550 *https://www.facebook.com/100084064746848/posts/885355957609888 *https://www.facebook.com/61574586508298/posts/122152169726819550 *https://www.facebook.com/100084064746848/posts/885400607605423 *https://www.facebook.com/100084470170971/posts/860081463484185 *https://negrosnowdaily.com/johana-marie-oyog-crowned-miss-sinulog-sa-kabankalan/ *https://www.facebook.com/100084064746848/videos/873979935333147/ and *https://www.facebook.com/100064597936432/videos/1288484056641318/

(Written by Andrea Davenport & Dominique Resuma Canio / Online News Correspondent of The Brighton Bugle, and Regional News Correspondent of OneNETnews)

KABANKALAN, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL -- The 50th golden anniversary of "Sinulog sa Kabankalan" will feature Negrosanons shining in localized fashion from January 9th to 18th, 2026 at the 'Kabankalan Public Plaza'. Twelve (12) participants are competing for the prestigious milestone anniversary-style title as they approach the coronation night by next week.

Ahtisa Manalo, who was the 3rd runner-up in Miss Universe 2025, along with Gloria Diaz, the 1969 Miss Universe winner, will both be attending the event as special guests and judges for "Miss Sinulog". This information was first disseminated through social media by 5K Broadcasting Network's K5 News FM at 102.9mhz on the local radio dial.

So, Fandreas… To make both sides clear, it is necessary to point out that Kabankalan was not a branch activity event related to the flagship Cebu Sinulog festival. It was however, based on the historic Ati-Atihan and Dinagyang festivals, which originated during the peak of the Martial Law era in 1976, which was way before the decades old controversial protests of the Escalante Massacre in late-September 1985.

Kabankalan and Cebu honor to tribute 'Sr. Santo Niño' as is derived in the Cebuano dialect of "sulog", meaning like a water stream, which best describes the dynamic and rhythmical move that characterizes Sinulog. The Sinulog festival became its flagship in 1980, and it is a city-wide cultural event. In this case, the "tribal" or "warrior" motif of this city is a respect for the native "Ati" people. As a traditional element, performers blacken their skin with soot, not as an expression of racial idea, but as a symbolic change to honor their ancestry and the origins of Negros soil. Both of these festivals are celebrated on the 3rd Sunday of January, a fact that makes many people see the two traditions as sister festivals.

"Miss Sinulog", the most important beauty and culture pageant in Negros Occidental, as these local contestants within the barangays of Kabankalan represent different schools, colleges and universities, where they demonstrate the pride in their cultural heritage and devotion to Sr. Santo Niño through elegance and cultural pride. It is not just an ordinary beauty contest… One is going to seek a cultural ambassador.

Participants usually enter wearing traditional dances or wearing vivid costumes that illustrate the "tribal" or "Ati" origins of the said festival. In its 50th year, the pageant has come to be known as "Race for the Golden Crown", highlighting the historical importance of the victory of its titleholder. The winning participants will be eligible to receive cash awards and have an opportunity to represent the city in various regional tourism events throughout this year. The source organizer of the event can withhold taxes to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in Binalbagan or Bacolod.

Mainstage is in readiness, the lights are on! Quad Cities' newspaper outlet (The Brighton Bugle) and the internet's Philippine public news media 'OneNETnews' will soon learn who will take home the golden crown for "Miss Sinulog" in Kabankalan on Thursday night (January 15th) at the Kabankalan Public Plaza. It is not just a pageant, it is as much a colorful tapestry of history, faith and the long-standing spirit of the Negrosanon people. Whether you are drawn by the glamorous pageantry or the profound history, this golden anniversary event showcases that tradition is always in vogue.

LOGO and FILE PHOTOS COURTESY for REPRESENTATION: Miss Sinulog Kabankalan & Kabankalan Sinulog Foundation via FB PHOTO, MUO, and Netflix BACKGROUND PROVIDED BY: TEGNA

SOURCES: *https://www.facebook.com/100064128425235/posts/1290470519767217 *https://www.facebook.com/100044526400360/posts/1494971395330393 *https://www.facebook.com/100088205779879/posts/836182599331925 *https://www.facebook.com/100087236301605/posts/566526932931845 *https://negrosnowdaily.com/kabankalan-celebrates-50th-sinulog-festival/ *https://www.scribd.com/presentation/402906520/ *https://www.sinulogfoundationinc.com/history/ *https://www.facebook.com/100087236301605/posts/834309442820258 *https://www.facebook.com/100087236301605/posts/834298022821400 and *https://www.facebook.com/61554273385471/posts/122245388678142446

(Written by Steven Quartz Universe / Regional Sports Correspondent of Cartoon Network News)

KABANKALAN, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL -- Billiards enthusiasts gathered in eager anticipation Wednesday night (October 11th, 2023 at 7pm -- Kabankalan local time) as the legendary Efren 'Bata' Manalang Reyes faced off against the formidable Jek-jek Alonsagay in an exhibition match held at the Covered Court in Brgy. 6, Kabankalan, Negros Occidental. The event provided an unforgettable spectacle for billiard sports fans, showcasing the enduring skills of these two iconic players.

The match drew a significant crowd, both on-site and streaming online free-of-charge via Facebook LIVE for one night only, as billiards aficionados and sports enthusiasts from all around tuned in to witness the magic unfold.

The covered court in the said barangay becomes temporarily converted into a billiards' haven overnight. The venue turned into decorated with banners and billiard-themed decorations, creating an ambiance befitting the occasion. A lot of crowds inside hundreds of Kabankalanon people, turned into buzzing with pleasure and admiration, their cheers echoing thru the court as the exhibition billiard match commenced for under 90 minutes after the said timeslot at 7pm.

The clash of titans did not really disappoint. Mr. Reyes, known for his impeccable cue ball control and shot-making ability, showcased his artistry in every shot. His precision on the green felt left spectators in awe. Mr. Alonsagay, not one to be outdone, exhibited remarkable focus and strategic prowess, keeping the match highly competitive.

Throughout this exhibition, billiard players have engaged in a fascinating back-and-forth battle, with pockets echoing the sound of well-executed shots. Viewers on Facebook LIVE and on demand (for those not making it in Kabankalan City), witnessed each stroke and exchange, making them sense like they were right there in the group of local sports audience with a free ticket for a limited time.

The said exhibition match featured spectacular combinations, tricky bank shots and jaw-dropping long-range potting, all of which underscored the mastery of these two billiards legends. Each pocketed ball earned thunderous applause from the audience, and social media were abuzz with fans sharing their favorite moments and discussing the players' incredible skills.

As the exhibition match drew to a close, the camaraderie among Mr. Reyes and Mr. Alonsagay turned into palpable, a boastful reminder that beyond the fierce competition, those Filipino billiard athletes share a deep love for the game of billiards. The actual final score might also have been secondary to the mutual respect and admiration they displayed, but in the end, it was Mr. Reyes himself, whose secured a narrow victory against Mr. Alonsagay.

In the realm of sports, moments like these are cherished. The exhibition match between Efren 'Bata' Reyes and Jek-jek Alonsagay wasn't just a billiards showdown but a celebration of the enduring appeal of the local sport. The event demonstrated that even in the twilight of their careers, these two champions continue to inspire and amaze fans around the world.

As the cheers subsided and the crowds of Kabankalanons were dispersed, the legacy of this exhibition match lives on in the hearts of individuals who witnessed in person thru Facebook LIVE streams or on demand. For billiards lovers, it was a night to remember, a testimony to the enduring magic of the sport and the legends who make what it is to them.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO COURTESY via FB PHOTO BACKGROUND PROVIDED BY: Tegna

SOURCE: *https://www.facebook.com/100017001760474/posts/1423278958248816 [Referenced FB Captioned PHOTO via Franz Leonardo Seguiro] *https://www.facebook.com/100000493704457/posts/7635574313135616 [Referenced FB Captioned PHOTO via Grace Garanganao] *https://www.facebook.com/100078006974035/posts/326548519955378 [Referenced FB Captioned PHOTO via Pitik ni Manong] *https://www.facebook.com/100000540475919/posts/7377983062229636 [Referenced FB Captioned PHOTO via Adolfo Toto Mangao] *https://www.facebook.com/100084064746848/videos/1032997307721018 [Referenced FB LIVE VIDEO via 99.7mhz's BNFM: Kabankalan] *https://www.facebook.com/100094239754174/videos/292192560338130 [Referenced FB LIVE VIDEO #1 via Hoops Highlights] *https://www.facebook.com/100094239754174/videos/860201032046520 [Referenced FB LIVE VIDEO #2f via Hoops Highlights] and *https://www.facebook.com/100076139256443/videos/1087791272392389 [Referenced FB VIDEO via Winston Villanueva of DYQU-FM 103.9mhz's RBSFM: Bacolod]

KABANKALAN, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL -- A local motorsport event took a violent turn during the 26th Charter Anniversary celebration at the Airport site in Brgy. Hilamonan, Kabankalan, Negros Occidental. The incident, captured exclusively on Facebook video last Sunday (July 30th, 2023) has sent shockwaves through the motorsport communities nationwide.

A video footage obtained by JM Photography depicts an alarming scene at an event. Tensions quickly escalated into a chaotic situation that included various individuals. Although its exact cause remains unknown at this time, witnesses reported that an initial heated argument between 2 or 3 drivers quickly escalated into physical confrontation.

Kabankalanons were stunned as the situation escalated rapidly, with punches being thrown and tempers flaring. Event organizers and security personnel quickly intervened to restore order - several participants and bystanders sustained minor injuries while some vehicles sustained damage during this outbreak of chaos.

Local authorities were promptly alerted of the altercation, arriving on-scene to restore order and launch an investigation by the Local Government Units (LGUs) of Kabankalan and the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO). Preliminary reports indicate that it may have arisen out of a dispute regarding racing tactics or an on-track incident; however, these details have yet to be confirmed according to 99.7mhz's Brigada News FM: Kabankalan.

The organizers of this motorsport event express their deep regret over this unfortunate event and pledge their full cooperation in any resulting investigation. Safety remains their top priority and such incidents tend to be rare within their otherwise peaceful motorsport community.

(PHOTO COURTESY via Pitik ni Manong / FB PHOTO)

The events of 26th Charter Anniversary in the municipality of Kabankalan, typically intended to showcase motorsport and local talent have long been anticipated by motorsport fans in the region. Unfortunately, the recent violent commotion has dismayed many spectators as it conflicts with its intention of encouraging healthy competition among rival teams and camaraderie between participants.

Local sports organizations and community leaders have strongly condemned this incident, emphasizing the necessity for respectful behaviour and fair competition within motorsport. They hope this incident serves as a reminder to all involved parties as well as taking measures to avoid similar occurrences in future, or otherwise cancelled in 2024 when later persisted.

Authorities are reviewing video footage and interviewing witnesses to gain a more in-depth knowledge of events leading up to the disturbance. Once complete, an official statement should be released regarding their investigation findings.

The motorsport community in Kabankalan and beyond now faces the task of rebuilding trust while fostering continued development of their sport in a safe, welcoming environment.

SCREENGRAB COURTESY: JM Photography and 99.7mhz's BNFM: Kabankalan via FB VIDEO BACKGROUND PROVIDED BY: Tegna

SOURCE: https://www.facebook.com/100029521387783/posts/1010068329987204 [Referenced Contributed Video via JM Photography and relayed with Joven Muleta]