Bright lights and passionate cheers filled the air at the Visayas State University (VSU Gymnasium). After several setbacks and pauses, the long and highly anticipated 2025 Ginoong Malakas, Binibining Maganda: Coronation Night finally came to life on February 10, 2026.
Candidates looked dazzling and dashing as they graced the event with charisma and poise. Along with them, the event also highlighted Philippine cultural traditions. One of which was the use of fashion as a medium —- which was showcased through the display of mid-round intermission media. In one of the videos, abaca became the centerpiece as an endemic fiber crop with a deep history tied to the country’s fashion industry.
Meanwhile, the VSU Arnis Team also opened the sportswear round with a stunningly sharp martial arts performance. Going deeper into the night and event, even the formal gowns that were worn by all contestants were derivatives of the traditional Filipino clothing — the Baro’t Saya.
Wearing them with finesse and eye-catching elegance, the candidates lit up the stage. Yet among the sparkling lineup, only two rose above all — equipped with the charm, wit, and grace that prompted the audience to rise from their seats in cheers of frenzy. Hailing from the same team of the Mystic Moirai, Vincent James Malazarte and Fatima Rose Polinar claimed their thrones as Ginoong Malakas and Binibining Maganda, respectively.
Binibining Maganda: Beauty and Brains for Nature
Fatima Rose Polinar, the newly crowned Binibining Maganda of Salingkusog 2025, is in her fourth year studying Bachelor of Science in Biology, majoring in Zoology. Besides her recent achievement, Polinar is also a recipient of the Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) scholarship.
With her deep ties to the sciences, she narrows in her interest in nature on stage, mentioning in the preliminary Question & Answer (Q&A) portion that she has always been surrounded by nature growing up. In her preliminary Q&A portion, she shared: “...’cause I believe that the environment is [at] the forefront for [a] positive impact in our country, and it’s very important that we use our voice for it.”
In an after-event interview with Amaranth, she maintains her stance on the natural world — while adding the significance of the environment when it comes to disaster resilience. She shares:
“I’ve always been into nature, something that’s really in my heart [is] environmental conservation because I believe that… our nature really stands at the core [of] every disaster that we’ve faced… I believe that if we really stand for our nature and we really use our voice to be that someone who [promotes] environmental conservation, [then] we will be able to progress as one in our nation . And that is one thing I’m really advocating for.”
Through this personal connection, she continuously used her place on the stage – even before and also after earning the crown – to advocate for environmental conservation.
Aside from science and nature, Polinar is also a woman of many interests, having hobbies such as dancing and even an interest in public speaking. Believing that words yield a lot of power, Polinar uses her voice as her tool for carrying out her advocacy.
Ginoong Malakas: Conquering Fears, Breaking Barriers
Vincent James Malazarte, who is a fourth-year Bachelor of Arts in English Language Studies, is Ginoong Malakas 2025. Beyond his newly acquired title, Malazarte is also an active member of a religious organization, leading not only with intellect but also with compassion rooted in faith. Even before claiming the crown as Ginoong Malakas 2025, he remained true to his advocacies, using his platform to amplify the needs and voices of his community.
Malazarte captivated both the audience and judges with his charisma and commanding stage presence while boldly speaking his truth during the preliminary and final Question & Answer portion of the competition. He consistently stood by his belief in embracing contradictions — encouraging others to confront their own and rise above a world shaped by rigid gender stereotypes.
During the final Q&A portion, Malazarte emphasized that meaningful change begins at the individual level and that social awareness is essential in addressing climate change. He shared, “As Filipinos, we deserve protection. It's really sad to see that those who are in power but [are irresponsible,]… move comfortably while those who are struggling are left to rebuild alone.” Through this, he urged Viscans to care for the God-given gift of the environment, while also calling on the institution to establish facilities and initiate movements that would create lasting environmental impact.
In the same after-event interview with Amaranth, Malazarte revealed that his greatest and longest-standing challenge has been the self-doubt. He shares: “The very specific challenge that I’ve been facing for the longest time was myself. The kind of self that is doubtful, who is always sabotaging himself…” He further shares that he once thought of himself as his biggest enemy. He further adds: “this crown is truly a testament that someday you could truly overcome your own personal challenges, your own enemy — which is yourself.”
He also expressed heartfelt gratitude to his supporters, whose unwavering belief in him helped strengthen his confidence and led him to triumph. With humility, he leaves them with a promise — to remain grounded and to continue being the same Vincent they have always known.
Beauty and Strength For Purpose
With Malazarte and Polinar both advocating for environmental protection and meaningful change, this year’s Ginoong Malakas and Binibining Maganda reflect an evolving standard for the pageant. Their shared commitment to sustainability highlights how platforms such as these can be used to promote purpose-driven initiatives. As they assume their respective roles, their efforts are poised to extend beyond the stage and contribute to broader conversations on environmental conservation. Ultimately, their advocacy underscores the potential of dedication and collective action in addressing pressing environmental concerns.
Adding to their crowns, both contestants also bagged awards from different special and minor awards, with Polinar winning Best in Production Number, Binibining Congeniality, Best in Active Wear, and Binibining Eloquence. Similarly, Malazarte also won Best in Active Wear, Best in Sports Wear, Obstacle Course Winner, and Ginoong Photogenic. The list of other special and minor awardees are as follows:
Best in Production Number
Centicore Vanguard - Aaron Clarence Camacho
Mystic Moirai - Fatime Rose Polinar
G. and Bb. Congeniality
Ascendant Chimera - Sam Barachiel Rica
Mystic Moirai - Fatime Rose Polinar
Best in Sports Wear
Mystic Moirai - Vincent James Malazarte
Luring Siren - Jeyl Myneth Jusain
G. and Bb. Eloquence
Luring Siren - Franz Andrew Vermeir
Mystic Moirai - Fatime Rose Polinar
Obstacles Course Race Winner
Mystic Moirai - Vincent James Malazarte
Luring Siren - Jeyl Myneth Jusain
Best in Formal Wear
Centicore Vanguard - Aaron Clarence Camacho
Luring Siren - Jeyl Myneth Jusain
Binibini & Ginoong Photogenic
Mystic Moirai - Vincent James Malazarte
Valiant Shark - Sofia Joy Maramento
Concluding the night, the following candidates and their respective ranks are as follows:
First Runner-up
Luring Siren - Franz Andrew Vermeir
Ascendant Chimera - Chelsea Therese Magsino
Second Runner-up
Centicore Vanguard - Aaron Clarence Camacho
Luring Siren - Jeyl Myneth Jusain
Third Runner-up
Ascendant Chimera - Sam Barachiel Rica
Centicore Vanguard - Rojie Marie Siervo
Fourth Runner-up
Valiant Shark - John Louie Campo-Amor
Valiant Shark - Sofia Joy U. Maramento