Santacruzan sa Aotearoa & Harana Singing Contest 2025

lois0743
May 24
5 min read

Updated: Jun 3

A Celebration of Faith, Culture, and Community

On Saturday, 24 May, we proudly hosted the much-anticipated Santacruzan sa Aotearoa and Harana Singing Contest 2025 — and what an unforgettable celebration it was!

From as early as 7:00 AM, our amazing volunteers were already on-site, full of energy and ready to help. Their commitment and proactive spirit made all the difference — we are deeply grateful to have such a dependable team.

With Thanks to Our Funders and Sponsors

This celebration wouldn't have been possible without the generous support of our funders and sponsors.

Funders:

Diamond Sponsors:

Lifestream and Segno Music Dreamers joined us on-site with engaging booths that added vibrancy to our event.
Though Nanam couldn’t attend due to their 10th anniversary and promotion launch, they kindly sent over delicious food packs — which we gladly shared with our volunteers, organisers, and partners.

Platinum Sponsors:

Bronze Sponsors:

Community Partnerships in Action

A special thank you to our community partners:

Batang Pinoy NZ, who not only helped with the setup and Parada ng Panghimagas Dessert Contest but also organised the Food Market merchants in the parking lot, ensuring a smooth start to the day.
Lucelle Sentino, who promoted the event within the local Auckland community and served as a culinary judge.
Primo Digital Creative, for designing our beautiful event logo.
Likha NZ, a long-standing supporter of Santacruzan, assisted participants and performers in securing Filipiniana outfits at discounted rates.

A Full Day of Fun and Culture

By 11:00 AM, guests began to arrive — families, friends, and curious passersby — eager to join the celebration.

Our energetic host, Emma Carreon, encouraged everyone to enjoy the Chamber Hall activities and support our local merchants in the marketplace.

The venue was beautifully styled by Karla Yparraguirre of OH KY Events Limited, perfectly complementing our regional theme and bringing the celebration to life.

During this time, our official photographer Raymond Recato of Pieces of Time by Raymond conducted stunning portrait sessions for our Santacruzan participants. They will each receive digital copies featuring their crowns, sashes, and symbols of their roles.

Johans Lucena Photography captured the heart and soul of the event, helping preserve every unforgettable moment through his stunning work.

Parada ng Panghimagas: Filipino Dessert Contest

Before the main programme, Batang Pinoy NZ also hosted free dessert tastings as part of our Parada ng Panghimagas (Filipino Dessert Contest). A sweet success, thanks to our amazing culinary judges:

Analiza Laurel Badillas
Lucelle Sentino
Andrio Tabuzo
Fritzi Udanga

Winners:

Ultimate Biko Suman by Marvin Morales (Eating Pinoy) — People's Choice and Chef’s Choice
Bibingka 5-Ways by Annalyn Alhambra (Mommy Panadera)
Bibingkang Galapong by Kris Gerardo (The Baking Loft)
Ube Macapuno Double Decker Delight by Melinda Jholene Martin (Jholene’s Filipino Cuisine)

Harana Singing Contest

Our main programme was hosted by Andrio Tabuzo and Bea Marinas, with opening remarks by Kakay Babalo, trustee of Banyuhay Aotearoa.

Then came the music — heartfelt melodies that filled the hall during the Harana Singing Contest.

Judges:

Jayvee Lagunda-Ong (Head Panelist)
Anna de Guzman
Robert Dil
Aldwin Anastacio

Winners:

Champion: Kezia Vallente – “Hanggang Ngayon” by Kyla

1st Runner-Up: Keim Jaycer Cardoza – “Celeste” by Tothapi

2nd Runner-Up: John Cedric Verano – “Makita Kang Muli” by Sugarfree

Special Mentions:

Trisha Mae Rivera – “Salamat” by Yeng Constantino
Franxine Granados – “Dito Ka Lang” by Moira dela Torre
Kuya Clint – “Hanggang Kailan” by Orange & Lemons
Dela Vega Sibs – “Ikaw” by Yeng Constantino

Stay tuned — we’ll be sharing full performance videos soon!

Intermission Performances

The programme featured captivating intermission numbers, including:

Trini's Dance Group – “Bulaklakan mixed with Sakuting" and “Kuradang”
ABAKADA – Reprised their 2024 Harana-winning song “Pasilyo” by Sunkissed Lola
Auckland Choral Ensemble – 'Lupang Hinirang' Philippine National Anthem, 'Rosas Pandan' by Pilita Rosales, 'Iisang Bangka' by The Dawn, 'Bituing Walang Ningning' by Sharon Cuneta and
Herbie Concolis – God Defend New Zealand
Ryan Panilag – “Ako Ay Pilipino” poem
Jayvee Ong & Francis Albiento – “Bakit Ngayong Ka Lang” by Freestyle and Pops Fernandez

The Santacruzan Procession

The grand finale of the event was the Santacruzan procession — a Filipino tradition that honours culture, faith, and history through a beautiful parade. This year's theme is about celebrating the beauty and heritage of every Filipino region.

Preceding the procession, a coronation ceremony was held.

Crowned Reyna Elena, Khyla Espina.
Crowned as Reyna Flores de Aotearoa by popular vote was the elegant Cristin Francesca Portelli
Kamila Wigg, as Rosa Mystica
Angellee Millado, as Reyna Caridad
Eloise Joan Munce, as Reyna Esperenza
Chloe Grace Nacar as Reyna Fe

Now, follows the most awaited procession!

Leading the way were Katharina Weischede (Miss Asia Pacific NZ 2024) who was holding a small statue of Mama Mary, Reese Ferrer (Reyna Elena 2024), and Natalia Mendoza (Reyna Flores de Aotearoa 2024.

Following them are our sweet angels: Faylee Imaysay, Isabella Albaytar, and Caitlyn Giefel Nacar.

Then, our Queens and their consorts.

Annika Tigley, our Reyna Paz, held a dove, a timeless symbol of peace.

Reema Gealon, as Reyna de las Estrellas, carried a wand topped with a star — lighting the way with hope and dreams.

Kiana Carlos, our Reyna Abogada, walked with a graduation cap and big book, symbolising justice and knowledge.

Khloe Carlos presented as Reyna Sheba, bearing a jewellery box — a nod to wisdom and wealth.

Alexandria Skye Saldua, our Reyna Banderada, waved a triangular yellow flag.

Mya Major dazzled as Reyna Esther, holding a regal sceptre.

Chloe Grace Nacar held a small cross as Reyna Fe.

Eloise Joan Munce, our Reyna Esperenza, carried an anchor, embodying hope and steadfastness. She's accompanied by the adorable Mikhail Ruiz Victorio as Little Prince.

Angellee Millado, as Reyna Caridad, warmed hearts with her big red heart prop — a symbol of love and generosity.

Kamila Wigg, our Rosa Mystica, carried a bouquet with poise and charm.

Crowned as Reyna Flores de Aotearoa Cristin Francesca Portelli is also carrying a bouquet. The handsome Gabe Hendrix Leal accompanied her taking on the role of Prinsipe Flores de Aotearoa.

Reyna Elena, brought to life by Khyla Espina, carrying the cross with grace and strength. She's walking with our noble Constantino, Zeb Jayden Cortes.

Closing Words

As the day came to a close, Lois Carlos, Chairperson of Banyuhay Aotearoa, delivered heartfelt closing remarks.

We’d also like to acknowledge our Assistant Project Manager, Luisa Bayot, who couldn’t be with us on the day due to illness. Her efforts leading up to the event and still supporting us behind the scenes all throughout the day were truly appreciated.

The same goes for our Project Coordinator and remote social media support, Jessica Narbonita — thanks for the behind-the-scenes contributions, even from afar. Her support made a big difference!

We’re incredibly grateful for the warm and thoughtful feedback we’ve received after the event. It’s truly uplifting to see Filipino culture thriving and resonating so strongly here in Aotearoa. We’ll carry these insights forward to make our future Santacruzan celebrations even more meaningful and memorable.