PARTNERSHIP

19th WATERLILY FESTIVAL

VILLAR FOUNDATION TURNS AN ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGE INTO HOPE

DT · Aug 6, 2026, 1:42 AM

FORMER Senator Cynthia Villar and Senator Camille Villar award Ms. Waterlily 2026 winner Elise Gawaran Jeres during the 19th Waterlily Festival in Las Pin.as.

Lourdes Agacer (center) receives a certificate and a ?5,000 cash prize in recognition of her winning creation as Best Gown Design.

The Villar Foundation celebrated the 19th Waterlily Festival 2026, bringing together Las Piñeros in a colorful showcase of culture, youth talent, and environmental advocacy. The annual celebration highlights the Foundation's commitment to transforming environmental challenges into livelihood opportunities, creativity, and sustainable community development.

The festival highlights two anticipated events—the Ms. Waterlily Pageant and the "Sayaw ng Kabataan para sa Kalikasan" street dancing competition. The pageant showcased beauty, grace, and creativity while promoting environmental awareness as contestants graced the runway in stunning gowns crafted from dried and woven water lilies—an inspiring display of Filipino artistry, innovation, and sustainability. Meanwhile, the "Sayaw ng Kabataan Para sa Kalikasan" celebration energized the celebration with vibrant waterlily-inspired costumes, synchronized choreography, and spirited performances that promoted environmental awareness, community unity, and youthful creativity.

Ms. Waterlily Winners (L-R): 1sL Runner-up-Daphne Leigh Chrisman (Brgy.Pilar);Ms.Waterlily 2026-Elise Gawaran Jeres (Brgy.Talon Uno;2nd Runner-up-Zaira Antonella Contis,received their crowns, sashes, cash prizes of 1'130,000, ?20,000, and ?10,000, respectively, along with beauLy packages from Skin Master Aesthetic.

BAHAGHAIU DANCE TROUPE 12nd Runner-Up Brgy. BF International/CM

The celebration reflects the Villar Foundation's continuing commitment to environmental protection and economic empowerment.

For nearly two decades, the Las Piñas Waterlily Festival has shown that with innovation and community cooperation, a river weed can be transformed into a source of livelihood, culture, and hope.

SYNERGY DANCE TROUPE 15T RUNNER UP & BEST IN COSTUME Brgy. Talon Uno