Santacruzan sa Aotearoa & Harana Singing Contest 2026
- Banyuhay Aotearoa
- 2 minutes ago
- 5 min read
On Saturday, 23 May 2026, our community gathered once again for the highly anticipated Santacruzan sa Aotearoa and Harana Singing Contest 2026 — a beautiful celebration of Filipino culture, faith, music, and togetherness here in Aotearoa New Zealand.
From the early hours of the morning, dedicated volunteers arrived ready to prepare the venue and welcome guests with enthusiasm and heart. Their hard work behind the scenes helped bring the entire event to life, and we remain deeply thankful for their time, energy, and commitment.
With Gratitude to Our Sponsors and Supporters
This meaningful celebration would not have been possible without the support of our generous funders, sponsors, and community partners.
Funders
Sponsors
We sincerely thank every organisation and individual who contributed to making this celebration possible for the Filipino community.
Community Collaboration at Its Finest
A heartfelt thank you to our community partners, creatives, and volunteers who helped make the day extra special.
Special acknowledgements to:
Batang Pinoy NZ, who not only helped with the setup and Parada ng Panghimagas Dessert Contest for 2nd time in a row, but also organised the Food Market merchants outdoors, ensuring a smooth start to the event.
Likha NZ, a long-standing supporter of Santacruzan, assisted participants and performers in securing Filipiniana outfits at discounted rates.
Their generosity and collaboration continue to strengthen the spirit of bayanihan within our community.
A Day Filled with Celebration and Culture
As guests arrived throughout the day, the venue quickly came alive with laughter, music, colourful Filipiniana attire, and the joyful spirit of community.
Our hosts, Weng Canares (Banyuhay Aotearoa Founding Member) and Dom Hernandez, warmly welcomed attendees and encouraged everyone to enjoy the performances, support local merchants, and take part in the festivities happening throughout the venue.
The event stage was beautifully transformed by Stellar Backdrop, whose creative styling perfectly reflected this year’s theme: Reyna ng Flores de Mayo.
The lights, sound, and visuals that brought our celebration to life were expertly provided by Xtreme Creationz — and what a difference it made to the whole experience!
The gorgeous blooms that graced our queens and filled our venue with colour and fragrance were beautifully crafted by Gardenia Greetings — a perfect touch for a celebration of flowers!
Meanwhile, our official photographer, Johans of Johans Lucena Photography and documentation team captured memorable moments throughout the celebration — preserving smiles, performances, portraits, and cherished memories that participants and families will treasure for years to come.
All photos featured in this post were taken by Johans Lucena Photography. All rights reserved. Photos are used with permission and may not be reproduced, downloaded, or shared without prior consent from the photographer.
Parada ng Panghimagas – Filipino Dessert Showcase
Before the main programme, guests enjoyed delicious Filipino desserts during the Parada ng Panghimagas.
Our sincere thanks to our wonderful culinary judges:
Emma Carreon (Banyuhay Aotearoa Founding Member)
Fritzi Udanga (Likha NZ)
Marvin Morales (Eating Pinoy, Parada ng Panghimagas ‘25 Champion)
Winners
Champion & People’s Choice Winner 2026: Jholene Martin - Ube Kalamay (Jholene’s FIlipino Cuisine)
Special Mention: (Zam’s Kitchen? ) - Leche Flan
Congratulations to all participants for proudly sharing Filipino flavours and traditions through their creations.
Harana Singing Contest
The main programme officially opened with welcoming remarks from Lois Carlos, Chairperson of Banyuhay Aotearoa, and speech from Emily Cardeno, Banyuhay Aotearoa Trustee, explaining the importance of a Filipino gathering and pillars of our organisation.
NZ National Anthem and Philippines National Anthem were performed by Zia Vallente & Cedric Verano and Karakia by Lois Carlos. After the opening exercises was the much-awaited Harana Singing Contest 2026.
Our panel of judges included:
Vice Consul O’neal Mendoza
Arvids Keinis, Segno Music Dreamers
Henry Lobo
Arnel Mantes
Winners
Champion: Noel Camacho - “Bawat Tula ay May Awit”
1st Runner-Up: Lemrick John Villaflor – “Your Love” by Alamid
2nd Runner-Up: Johann San Diego– “Libu-Libong Buwan” by Kyle Raphael
Special Mentions
Aishani & Anton Kumar - “Kapag Tumibok ang Puso” by Donna Cruz
Russel Polongasa - “Ikaw Na Nga” by Daryl Ong
The audience was treated to heartfelt performances that beautifully showcased Filipino talent, passion, and musical storytelling.
Intermission Performances
The celebration also featured vibrant intermission numbers from talented performers and community groups, including:
Zia Vallente & Cedric Verano, 2025 Harana Winners & Segno Music Dreamers Performing Artists Awardee
Trixie Lazaro, Segno Music Dreamers Performing Artists Awardee
Selena Far – “So Easy (To Fall In Love)”
Each performance added colour, excitement, and cultural pride to the programme.
The Santacruzan Procession
The highlight of the celebration was the grand Santacruzan procession — a cherished Filipino tradition honouring faith, heritage, beauty, and community.
This year's theme, Reyna ng Flores de Mayo, celebrated the rich identity and traditions of Filipinos across regions and generations.
This year also marked the fulfilment of one of our longest-held wishes — one we have dreamed of since our very first Santacruzan event — to have arches. While they may not be the movable arches we grew up with back in the Philippines, their presence transformed the atmosphere of the occasion and brought us one step closer to the tradition we hold so dearly in our hearts.
Before the procession began, a coronation ceremony recognised this year's featured queens and participants.
Coronation guests:
Khyla Espina (Reyna Elena 2025)
Cristin Francesca Portelli (Reyna Flores de Aotearoa 2025)
Katharina Weischede (Ms Philippines NZ 2023, Ms Asia Pacific NZ 2024)
Coronation Highlights
Reyna Flores de Aotearoa (top vote): Hannah Elise Mydlowski
Rosa Mystica (2nd): Rachel Hermosura Ulunga
Reyna Caridad (3rd): Kauri Kate Grino
Reyna Esperanza (4th): Anastacia Knowler
Reyna Fe (5th): Leeyanah Ingal
Reyna Elena: Erin Espina
The procession then unfolded beautifully as participants, angels, queens, escorts, and community representatives made their way through the venue in elegant Filipiniana attire.
Our Sweet Angels:
Faylee Imaysay
Luna Kerr
Jesse Macdonald
Gaile Hillary Leal
Gabe Hendrix Leal
Reynas & Prinsipe
Reyna Candelaria - Kiana Carlos
Reyna Paz - Skye Saldua
Reyna de las Estrellas - Avery Kimi-Cross
Reyna Abogada - Harper Kimi-Cross
Reyna Sheba - Maxie Carillo
Reyna Banderada - Khloe Carlos
Reyna Esther - Renesmee Voges***
Prinsipe - Rhylley Davis
Constantino - Leevinston Ingal
*** Not present on the day
The queens and escorts each held objects representing symbols of faith, hope, peace, love, wisdom, and Filipino tradition. Every participant brought grace and meaning to the procession, making it a truly unforgettable finale to the celebration.
To every parent, relative, and friend who cheered, voted, shared, and showed up - thank you! Your support was the heartbeat of Santacruzan sa Aotearoa 2026. You did not just support a child - you helped keep a tradition alive, strengthened our community bonds, and contributed to a cause greater than the celebration itself. For that, we are deeply and truly grateful.
After the procession, the celebration welcomed yet another new chapter. In a wonderful first for our event, our Harana Contest winner - Noel Camacho, stepped forward to serenade the Santacruzan participants — a touching tribute to our queens and a nod to one of the most beloved traditions in Filipino culture. It was the perfect note on which to end a truly unforgettable afternoon.
Closing Remarks
As the event came to a close, our hosts expressed gratitude to everyone who helped make the celebration successful.
acknowledge the parents and grandparents of our Santacruzan participants
We also extend our special appreciation to:
Luisa Bayot, Project Manager for assisting with the organisation of the event from booking event space, contacting sponsors, and helping document the event.
Jaz Saldua, Banyuhay Aotearoa Deputy Chairperson, for assisting with decorations and sponsorship
Moezhelle Penales Saulala, Marketing for assisting with social media, promotions, content creation and event day visual presentations.
Josh Lestojas, for being in charge with Sounds and AV on the whole event.
Kakay Babalo, Banyuhay Aotearoa Founding Member, for assisting with program participants and guests.
Our volunteers, organisers, performers, sponsors, and supporters who generously shared their time and talents on the day.
The overwhelming support and positive feedback from the community continue to inspire us to preserve and celebrate Filipino culture here in Aotearoa.
To everyone who attended and took part in this year’s Santacruzan — maraming salamat po.
Mabuhay ang kulturang Pilipino! Mabuhay tayong lahat!
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