CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The 61st Miss Cagayan de Oro preliminaries unfold tonight, August 1, 2026, at the SM CDO Downtown Premier Event Hall, as twelve candidates compete in the Evening Gown and Swimsuit competitions. The event, starting at six in the evening, is a key highlight of the city’s Higalaay Festival.
A Night of Elegance and Purpose
The preliminaries are more than a beauty contest. Each candidate represents a barangay, bringing her community’s hopes and stories to the stage. The evening gown segment showcases the grace and sophistication of Kagay-anon women, while the swimsuit competition celebrates physical confidence and healthy lifestyles. Attendees can witness firsthand the poise and preparation that define Miss Cagayan de Oro.
The pageant is a beloved city tradition, now in its 61st year. It serves as a platform for young women to advocate for causes close to their hearts. Winners often become ambassadors for tourism, education, and environmental initiatives, extending their impact far beyond coronation night.
Meet the Twelve Official Candidates
This year’s roster spans the city’s diverse barangays, from coastal communities to bustling urban centers. The candidates are Noreen Ashley Cabonialda (Barangay 17), Rhyza Arandilla (Barangay 31), Natasha Deane Mutia (Barangay 40), Trisha Salvani Abalos (Barangay Carmen), Zusmitha Sheen Itum (Barangay Cugman), Catherine Jane Young (Barangay Iponan), Heiress Grazhielle Caasi (Barangay Kauswagan), Erika Gabutan (Barangay Lapasan), Khyla Mar Judienel Lauron (Barangay Macasandig), Mary Hyacinth Zamora (Barangay Nazareth), Princess Joyce Tagno‑ay (Barangay Patag), and Kriezl Jane Vitorillo Torres (Barangay Tablon).
Each candidate has undergone weeks of preparation, including personality development workshops and community immersion. Their journey includes a visit to the 21st City Council, where they introduced themselves to local legislators, and a series of themed photo shoots that showcased Cagayan de Oro’s identity as the Whitewater Rafting Capital of the Philippines. These activities connect the pageant directly to the city’s tourism brand.
A Festival of Friendship and Tourism
The pageant is a core event of the Higalaay Festival, which celebrates the city’s patron saint, St. Augustine, and the spirit of friendship. “Higalaay” translates to “friendship,” and the festival draws thousands of visitors each August. Hotels, restaurants, and local businesses see a surge in activity, making the pageant both a cultural highlight and an economic driver.
The City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office, led by Mark Kenneth Jalapadan, integrates the pageant into the broader tourism calendar. Organizers encourage visitors to explore the city’s attractions, from its adventure sports to its culinary scene, while attending the festivities. The Miss Cagayan de Oro pageant serves as a glamorous gateway to discover all that the city offers.
Looking Toward Coronation Night
Tonight’s preliminaries award crucial points that will shape the final competition on August 22. The event will be broadcast live on the official Facebook page of Miss Cagayan de Oro, allowing supporters who cannot attend in person to cheer for their favorites. The winner will succeed last year’s queen and take on the role of city ambassador.
The 61st Miss Cagayan de Oro continues a tradition that blends beauty, purpose, and community pride. As the candidates take the stage, they carry with them the dreams of their barangays and the promise of a brighter, more vibrant Cagayan de Oro.
