The provincial government of Pangasinan formally unveiled the 21 candidates for its province-wide 2025 beauty contest, Limgas na Pangasinan (meaning “beauty of Pangasinan” in the Pangasinan language) during the Press Presentation on 16 March at the Sison Auditorium, the Capitol Complex in the capital town of Lingayen. Each candidate represents their own town or city in the province in northwestern Luzon.

Formerly called Limgas na Dayat, the beauty pageant is one of the highlights of the Pista’y Dayat, the local government-organized, touristic festival, inspired by and promoting the sea (dayat) and its products and held every April.

The Press Presentation signaled the start of this year’s tilt. Contestants sashayed and performed onstage, introduced themselves and answered questions from members of the press, who voted for the Darling of the Press and Most Photogenic awards, the winners of which will be revealed during the grand coronation night on 25 April. The contestants will also undergo a preliminary competition on 13 April.

“Each candidate has shown us that beauty is not merely skin deep. It is a reflection, and reflected in their poise, their commitment in their communities, their aspirations for a brighter future. They remind us that true beauty of Pangasinan lies within its people,” said Maan Tuazon Guico, wife of Pangasinan Governor Ramon V. Guico III and the pageant’s executive chairperson. “I believe we have spoken about this several times…that the greatest assets of the Pangasinan are its people. We believe that our strength, resilience, and unwavering spirits are shown in each and every one of us. As someone who has always been passionate about empowering women, Limgas holds a special place in my heart. We have continued to provide Pangasinense women with the opportunities to empower themselves in the government units and in our province.”

The roster of candidates include Bayambang’s Reign Joy C. Lim, who dreams to become a medical technologist and to promote reading and literary among the youth; Nursing student Kayzee Chasta P. Brillo from Umingan; Leinahtan L. Sarmiento, whose interests are making videos, photography and makeup, San Carlos City; Kyla S. De Leon, who dreams to become a flight attendant, from Basista; a student who has established her own clothing line, Xyza Nicole S. Aguilar, from Mangaldan; Louise Anne A. Vergara, a Tourism Management student from San Manuel; Cheska T. Donato, an Architecture student from Bugallon; Grace Jineah C. Lumague, who has joined Miss Universe Philippines in 2024, from Pozorrubio; Clarisse C. Borbe, a worship leader and children’s minister, Alcala; and Liannah Jermayne L. Mangosong, who is into painting and digital art, from Asingan.

Also competing are Felicity C. Mamplata, who advocates for the environment, from Lingayen; a graphic design and marketing freelancer, Krysha R. Villanues, from Binalonan; Marianne Jinnah F. Nandin, who describes herself as an “adrenaline junkie,” from Balungao; Chelsea Mae M. Oranza, who loves to eat and watch television, from Malasiqui; Alannis Sophia Melarne F. Hodge, whose advocacies are women empowerment and sports education, from Sual; student leader and farmers’ rights advocate Maria Julianne Vernice F. Nandin from Rosales; Venus B. Sawaysaway, a teacher from Dasol; Freda V. Rosario, a tutor and youth leader from Labrador; Angelica Joy B. Flores, a Sangguniang Kabataan kagawad from Santa Barbara; Claire Arwen V. Cacal, a Pharmacy student who advocates for health awareness from Calasiao; and Rosemarie O. Ernang, who graduated with a degree in Secondary Education magna cum laude, from Urdaneta City.

Addressing the candidates, Tuazon Guico said, “To our lovely candidates, to our Limgas na Pangasinan 2025 candidates, you have all made us proud. To us, you are already winners, and I am sure to each and every town you represent, you are their pride and you have represented them well. Your journey does not end here. It is only the beginning, and I hope and pray that everything you learn from us, from your time with us, from the trainings to our consultations, and even to the pageant, the moral lessons that you learned, the character building, I hope that you bring it with you not only in your future endeavors in the pageant industry, but throughout your life. You are the future of Pangasinan, and we are confident that you will carry forward the legacy of our province with honor and dignity.”

“I hope that everyone in Pangasinan appreciates what we have done so far, and that we truly represent Pangasinan, its culture, its arts, and its heritage. This cause of empowering women is very close to our hearts, and we will always support initiatives that uplift and celebrate the beauty and strength of Pangasinan women,” she added.

The top three winners will represent the province in national beauty contests — Miss World Philippines, Mutya ng Pilipinas and Miss Grand Philippines.