By Farah Dhea B. Galvez, BA Comm-4 Centralian Link Intern
Miss Guimaras 2026 Belle Kate Gatilogo during the coronation night. Photo Courtesy of IPitik Facebook Page.
A brilliant product of Central Philippine University who is no stranger to balancing numbers and executive papers, she now steps into the spotlight, bringing immense pride to her home island, municipality and the Centralian community. Belle Kate Gatilogo, an alumna of the CPU College of Business and Accountancy, was crowned as the new Miss Guimaras 2026 during the coronation night held on May 17, 2026, at the Guimaras Provincial Capitol Grounds.
Gatilogo’s journey of excellence spans a decade as a committed and outstanding Centralian. Last year, she graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Management Accountancy. Beyond her academic triumphs, she also showcased her dynamic leadership and creative vision as the Managing Editor of Centralite 2025. Today, Gatilogo has once again captured the spotlight, proudly representing the municipality of Sibunag in the most anticipated and prestigious event of the Manggahan Festival. Competing against eleven exceptional candidates across the province’s five municipalities, she stood out with a commanding stage presence that left both the judges and the audience in awe.
Her masterful blend of beauty, culture, and advocacy was already evident during the preliminary pageant night on May 9 held at Playa de Paraiso, San Lorenzo, Guimaras. There, Gatilogo stunned the crowd in her festival costume as Reina de las Balsahan, a radiant blue and green ensemble that mirrored the majestic Sibunag River and its natural sanctuaries. A bamboo-crafted balsa (raft) was finely displayed, celebrating the ancestral livelihood and vibrant spirit of Sibunag’s Balsahan Festival. She further electrified the stage with her flawless pasarela during swimsuit competition and sustainable fashion show segment.
Building on her strong preliminary momentum, Gatilogo delivered a magnificent and consistent performance on coronation night. Beyond capturing the coveted title, she brought two major awards namely “Best in Evening Gown” and “Best in Interview.” Her winning answer during the Question and Answer segment resonated deeply with the crowd. She emphasized that while Guimaras is globally renowned for its sweetest mangoes, its true wealth lies in its people and their relentless cultivation of excellence and progress. It was a defining moment that lingered in the minds and hearts of Guimarasnon people.
Gatilogo’s triumph serves as a powerful testament that beyond the walls of the university, a Centralian will always rise, conquer new horizons, and shine as a beacon of leadership, intellect, and grace.