Johna Maecailah Fortich bested 18 other candidates to win the title of Haladaya Festival Queen 2022 in a glittering ceremony held August 29 at Lamberto R. Te Cultural Center. Aside from bagging the crown, the 18-year old college student representing Barangay Bitoon garnered a number of special awards, including Best in Festival Costume, Best in Evening Gown, Best in Swimsuit, Most Viral Tourism Video, Best in Back-up Costume, and Miss Photogenic.
Barangay Poblacion candidate Shaira Dean Castro was adjudged as the 1st runner up. She was also awarded Darling of the Crowd, Miss Elixer Haladaya, and Best Tourism Video.
Completing the top 5 were 2nd runner-up Mary Edlyn Arrabis of Barangay Tapilon, 3rd runner-up Allysa Arranchado of Barangay Tominjao who also won Best Catwalk and 4th runner-up Angelyn Alvez from Barangay Maya.
Other awardees were Barangay Talisay’s Queenie Mae Tero as Miss Friendship and Nicolle Therese Pardillo of Barangay Bagay as Miss Globe.
Celebrity guests were actor model Marco Gumabao and Miss Universe Philippines 2021 2nd runner-up Steffi Rose Aberasturi who led the panel of judges.
Gracing the Haladaya Festival Queen 2022 coronation night were Mayor Sun Shimura, Board Member Kerrie Shimura, Vice Mayor Ali Abucay, SB Member JupJup Rosell, SB Member Bregitte Tancawan, SB Member Marvi Loot Pinos, SKF Pres. Jade Earl Conag, and Haladaya Festival founder and former Mayor Ma. Luisa J. Loot.
