The Sto. Niño Parish of Binalonan together with the town’s local government on May 30 held the traditional Santacruzan 2018, a culminating activity of the Mayflower Festival practiced by devout Catholics and other religions of similar faith.

24 young ladies representing each barangay of Binalonan paraded according to their rank in a popularity contest where the queen and her court were chosen.

Prior to the Santacruzan, a Holy Mass was celebrated by Most Reverend Jacinto A. Jose, bishop of the Diocese of Urdaneta.

In his homily, Bishop Jose praised the ladies’ beautifully made up faces and attires but he reminded them the importance of inner beauty.

After the Holy Mass, the coronation followed which was attended by Mayor Ramon Guico III, Councilor Josephine Caburnay, Binalonan Parish Priest Rev. Father Numeriano Gabot Jr., churchgoers, parents, and other visitors.

From the 24 candidates, Gifty Belle Manaois of Moreno was crowned Reina Helena; Jamelah Fabro of Poblacion was crowned Reina Dela Merced; Ma. Concepcion Vidallo of Sta. Catalina was Reina Dela Esperanza, and Hermilyn Jass Elizaga of Sumabnit was Reina Dela Fe.

All the other ladies were given their titles as Mary Characters in the Bible, New Testament Women, Old Testament Women, and History of Faith.

Bishop Jose and Mayor Guico crowned Manaois and the other ladies. The highlight of the coronation ceremony was the crowning of the Virgin Mary which was done by Bishop Jose, and Reina Helena Gifty.

The conduct of the Santacruzan with the participation of LGU Binalonan was the first in the history of Binalonan through the Department of the Interior and Local Government Office headed by Norman V. Ramos, MLGOO.