Candidates in Primo Design Studio Collection swimwear and shoes by Jojo Bragais.Less than a four-hour drive from Cagayan de Oro City is a quaint little municipality in North Cotabato called Banisilan. From the airport in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental, a first-time visitor will have to pass through Talakag in Bukidnon, and Wao in Lanao del Sur to arrive at this agricultural town, which produces corn, rice, rubber, sugarcane and different fruits.

Banisilan takes its name from a freshwater snail banisil, said to be abundant in rivers and streams of this area located at the northern quadrant of the province of Cotabato. Its origins trace back to the administration of President Ramon Magsaysay, who signed Proclamation No. 317 on 17 July 1956, reserving land for a resettlement project that drew hundreds of landless families from across the country.

Bu’gaya Festival

On 8 February 1982, Batas Pambansa Bilang 141 formally created Banisilan as a municipality. This year, it marks its 49th founding anniversary alongside the launch of its first Bu’gaya Festival.

“Bu’gaya Festival is the vibrant cultural celebration of Banisilan, honoring the town’s rich agricultural heritage, cultural diversity and united community spirit,” said Primo Nemitz Zayas, the festival director. “The word Bu’gaya, common among Maguindanaoans, Ilonggos and the Manobo is inspired by local heritage and is closely associated with abundance, harvest and prosperity — reflecting Banisilan’s fertile lands and hardworking farmers.” 

More than festivity, the celebration served as thanksgiving for blessings received, a tribute to resilience, and a showcase of Banisilan’s identity as a thriving agricultural community. The inaugural edition featured agricultural booths, street dancing, video and photo competitions and concerts, among other activities.

A major highlight was the Mutya ng Banisilan pageant, first staged in 2004, with Faith Joy Carbon as its maiden winner. Since then, Zayas and his Primo events team have handled pageant direction, with Charlie Villalba serving as project director.

From simple barrio lasses, the 24 candidates were transformed into glamorous candidates by Team Nanivon, headed by Nanan Villalba and his hair and makeup team assembled from Metro Manila, Midsayap in Cotabato, Jasaan in Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro City: Hernane Paniza, Iwa Ajinomoto, Renzin Paran, Brent Raully Olaco, Rodel Panjara, Charlz Manquiquis and Kleng Totanes.

Throughout the competition, the young girls were styled by Style Firm by Zoe Botwin, assisted by Mekaila McLen and Marian Nave Saburao. Nathalie Yap served as stage manager and personality development trainer, and Christer Kim as communication skills trainer. Livestream B Ads handled lights, sound and stage design. 

Hosting the coronation night were Elton Ladd and Clarissa Westram, Miss Universe Philippines Cotabato 2026, with voiceover by Kim. Josh Adornado of the television singing competition The Clash serenaded the audience and candidates, while Sandowa Dose Dance Company, OffLimitz and Altas Entertainment energized the crowd with dance performances. The candidates wore swimwear from Primo Design Studio Collection and shoes by Jojo Bragais.