GADINGAN AND WUTHRICH (Glazyl Masculino)
Miss World Philippines National Director Arnold Vegafria formally introduced Althea Nicole Gadingan and Ysabella Wuthrich as the official candidates of the Negros Island Region and Bacolod City in the Miss World Philippines 2027 pageant on Feb. 25 at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City during a sashing ceremony at Park Inn by Radisson in Bacolod on Saturday, July 4.
Vegafria encouraged Gadingan and Wuthrich to use their platforms to inspire others and cited Miss World Philippines 2022 Gwendolyn Fourniol of Negros Occidental as a source of inspiration for aspiring queens from the region.
He acknowledged the support of Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental Mayor Raymond Tongson, whose leadership, he said, contributed to the continued growth and development of communities in the region.
Tongson described the pageant as an opportunity to promote the beauty and identity of the newly established NIR.
"As a young region, strengthening our identity is essential to build momentum not only for government initiatives but for the region as a whole," he said, adding that the competition showcases the intelligence, leadership, and character of Negrenses.
Gadingan, who hails from Talisay City, Negros Occidental, said she is preparing for the national competition mentally and emotionally, recognizing that the pageant's platform extends beyond the stage.
"I look forward to learning throughout this journey and preparing myself for every challenge while showing the world what I got," she said.
She was first runner-up in the Miss Universe Philippines-Negros Occidental in 2024.
Wuthrich said the competition has inspired her to work harder and avoid complacency. "Miss World Philippines celebrates women who take initiative and lead with purpose. Those are qualities I hope to develop further, and I will give my best in the competition," she said.
She was first runner-up in last year's Miss Bacolod MassKara pageant.
Also present during the event were Director Jensen Torica, Bacolod Vice Mayor Claudio Jesus Puentevella, representing Mayor Greg Gasataya; Talisay Councilor Martin Gerard Lizares, representing Mayor Rowena Lizares; Miss World Philippines 2021 Tracey Maureen Perez, Miss Asia-Pacific International Philippines 2026 and Miss World Philippines 2026 Second Princess Gabrielle Galapia, and families and friends of the two candidates.