Los Banos, CA (September 30, 2025) — Once again the Los Banos Fil-Am Association USA has proven that solidarity, working collaboratively, and the spirit of camaraderie were the factors for the success of its beauty pageant, the Queen of Queens 2025. There were three main titles in the pageant, The Fil-Am Association USA Princess 2025, The Fil-Am Association USA Queen of Queens 2025, and the Fil-Am Association USA Empress 2025.
Ariana Flores got the first title, the Fil-Am Association USA Princess 2025, wearing a sweet A-line light yellow tulle gown with flowers accentuating her beauty and charm as a lovely young lady, was crowned by Miss Fil-Am 2016, Marielle Gimeno and her escort, Hin Nguyen, the sash was put on by Estrella Sanchez and Robert Flores, and awarded trophy by Cheryl Lim and Victor Lim.
The Queen of Queens 2025, Rezel Cerdan in her stunning sequined mermaid silver gown, showcasing the exquisite beauty of a Filipina, displaying a contagious Duchenne smile, and looking truly majestic, was crowned during this grand coronation ceremony by the Honorable Michael S. Amabile and Jan Therese A. Narvaez, Miss Fil-Am 2008, while Madelyn Hammersley and Peter Hammersley put on the sash, and James Logan Cerda, her son, awarded her trophy.
The third main title is the Fil-Am Association USA Empress 2025 which was won by Liwanag Banut, fondly called Lynn, garnered the highest points in this pageant, wearing a royal blue chiffon gown with gem waistband and a pair of white evening gloves adding elegance and sophistication, compounded with a sweet and warm smile, was crowned by Alba B. Stockdale and Lynn’s husband, Concordio Banut, the sash was put on by Leonora Bautista and Greg Andag , and awarded trophy by Gilbert Silva and Sheila Pambuena-Silva.
Jenalyn Espina-Marler, the Queen of Queens first runner-up in her radiant blue strapless gown accentuated with pearls and beads, wearing a pair of blue evening gloves and matching jewelries, looks absolutely gorgeous and regal, was crowned by Emily Vasquez and Antonio Reyna, followed by Dr. Gina Craig and Andrino Ramones who put on the sash, and the sisters, Marthy and Len Arcilla awarded her trophy.
The Queen of Queens 2025 second runner-up, Dahlia Gartman in her eye-catching ivory Filipiniana gown with Maria Clara alampay and intricate embroidery, unveiling the grandiose and unique beauty of a Filipina, was crowned by Marivic and Dave Fisher, Luchi Duncan and Juliette Pazzifore put on the sash, and the sisters, Naomi Apilado-Dozier and Eunice Apilado awarded the trophy.
The Fil-Am Association USA Empress 2025 first and second runners-up are Lucy Cerio and Norma Webster, respectively. Lucy Cerio in her sweet pink gown with puffed sleeves making her more charming and confident, was crowned by Belen Torres-Moskowitz and Buena Abitago, Sonya and Ronald Lozada put on the sash, and Floradel and Raul Mapote awarded the trophy.
Lastly, Norma Webster in her A-Line V-Neck light jade green satin gown with matching off-white pearl earrings, necklace, and bracelet, all of which reflects Norma’s compassionate and loving character, was crowned by Edna and Nestor Dimailig, the sash was put on by Sarah and Chris Bamidis, Nanette Gimeno and Jen Gapasin awarded the trophy.
After the crowning ceremony, Mayor Michael Amabile and Miss Fil-Am 2008, Jan Therese A. Narvaez awarded Congressman Adam Gray’s Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition to each of the winners of the Fil-Am Association USA Queen of Queens 2025 pageant.
There were intermission numbers such as the folkdance, Bulaklakan (Dance of Floral Garlands) exhibiting the Philippine Culture, choreographed by Alba Stockdale, and the line dance in the tune of Elvis Presley’s “Kiss Me Quick” and The Mavericks’ “Ride With Me” which was choreographed by Greg Andag and Leonora Bautista, with each group performing its own unique and graceful dance proving how versatile and artistic the dancers are.
DJ Angel Manubay from Santa Cruz, played the Tennessee Waltz for the Royal Dance, after which followed the sumptuous dinner with lechon as one of the main dishes. After dinner, more dancers on the floor dancing the oldies and some Gen Z’s music.
