BACOLOD CITY – A 20-year-old single mother was recently crowned as the first-ever Miss Universe Philippines-Negros Occidental.
Franches Anne Laquibla, representing the municipality of Pontevedra, bested 20 other candidates during the coronation at the SMX Convention Center here.
LAQUIBLA (Photo via Aksyon Dale Salazar)
Laquibla, who has a one-year-old son, thanked his glam team, family, and supporters who cheered for her since she started her journey in the competition.
An advocate of body diversity, Laquibla said that by joining the pageant, she aims to inspire others to chase their dreams fearlessly, regardless of their roles or life stages.
“I believe we should celebrate all body types and focus on self-acceptance rather than conforming to unrealistic standards. True beauty is found in embracing who you are,” she said.
She dreams of becoming a successful businesswoman, utilizing her influence to create initiatives that promote body positivity and inclusivity.
Louise Lian Enumerable Bobe, a 28-year-old banker, was crowned Miss Universe Philippines-Bacolod. Bobe is married to Adrian, a GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas anchor. They have a three-year-old daughter.
Louise represented her hometown of Murcia where she was first runner-up in the Lin-ay sang Negros 2016. She was also crowned Mutya ng Pilipinas Negros Island Region in 2017. She reached the national finals and placed in the Top 12.
She advocates for the strength and resilience of wives, mothers, and women from all walks of life, and said that the pageant is not just a competition, but a chance to show that wives and mothers can break boundaries. “I want to represent every woman who thought her dreams had to wait," she said.
Louise promotes accessible healthcare, particularly cardiovascular care, as she was diagnosed with rheumatic heart disease as a teenager, and underwent heart surgery at the Philippine Heart Center in Quezon City before turning 18.
She said this experience fueled her mission to raise awareness and promote affordable heart care for underserved communities in the province. "Equitable healthcare isn't just a privilege-it's a necessity,” she said.
First runner-up was Althea Nicole Gadingan representing Talisay City. Patricia Ysabel Galapino, representing Ilog town, was second runner-up.
Mary Angelique Faye Caballero, representing Cinco, Silay City was third runner-up and fourth runner-up was Bernie Larit, representing Bago City.
Other candidates were Angeline Shaine Javellana (Cadiz City), Allana Brodit (Cauayan), Carvi Lacson (Escalante City), Hannah Eureka Carriedo (Estefania, Bacolod City), Frances Marie Monsale (Granada, Bacolod City), Dissa Aduana Figueroa (Kabankalan City), Anika Rose Torres (Kabilog-Pa, Kabankalan City), Precious Ramiragen Batiancila (La Carlota City), Ina Marie Hengelmolen (Pulupandan);
Brittany Kendylle Gabutina (San Carlos City), Angelica Janine Layoso (San Enrique), Arianah Dimson (Silay City), CJ Lois Nicole Wong (Sipalay City), Jonealyn Grace Diamena (Valladolid), and Elvie Mae Barrios (Victorias City).
The signing of the Miss Universe Philippines-Negros Occidental franchise was held at the Sugarland Hotel here last July led by local director Kashmere Granada with Mags Cue, director for national search, and Arnold Mercado, director for local and Asia Pacific search.
Laquibla and Bobe will join the Miss Universe Philippines national pageant in February, culminating in April when the reigning Miss Universe-Asia, Chelsea Manalo, will pass on her crown.
Granada said that this is more than just a competition. “It’s a stage for women to break barriers and redefine what it means to be a beauty queen,” she added.
Through these franchises, we are giving deserving women, no matter their stage in life, the chance to shine, she said.