Introducing the Delegates: A Preview of the Santacruzan at Mayfest 2024
A Santacruzan is a crucial component of Flores de Mayo in the Philippines. It is a parade of stunning Reinas representing the finding of the True Cross by Reina Elena. The parade not only honors religious traditions but also showcases the rich culture and history of the Filipinos.
Mayfest 2024 is proud to feature a Santacruzan parade as this year’s highlight. 27 esteemed women are chosen and will represent important historical and religious figures for the parade. Some of the delegates even had their gowns sewn from the Philippines, supporting local businesses and keeping authenticity. The delegates for Santacruzan this Mayfest 2024 and their roles are as follows:
Reyna Bandera (Queen with a Banner) - Miracle Chand
Reyna Bandera represents the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines. The representative often carries a yellow or white pennant. She is represented by Miracle Chand, a youth education and mental health advocate. Miracle is a registered nurse in UCLA, aside from that she is also a beauty queen who was crowned as Miss Beauty Perfect, and Miss Young Philippines.
Reyna Juana - Agnes Puno Gonzales
Reyna Juana, originally Humamai, was the wife of Raha Humabon in Cebu. She was baptized during the arrival of the Spaniards and received the Santo Niño image from Magellan, marking the start of Christianity in the Philippines, she is represented by Agnes Puno Gonzalez, an influential community leader, and philanthropist. Puno Gonzalez has been actively involved in organizations in California and has earned numerous awards for her service, including being named an Outstanding Community Leader by the Gawad Amerika Awards.
Santa Veronica - Caren Mempin
Santa Veronica is a revered figure known for her compassion for Jesus during His crucifixion. She carries a veil with the imprint of Jesus' face. Caren Mempin is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) who is also an amazing singer. She is a Discovery Philippines 2022 Finalist and an LA PopRock vocalist.
Reyna Fe (Queen of Faith) - Janine Delos Reyes
Reyna Fe symbolizes the virtue of faith, one of the theological virtues in Christian theology, and carries a cross or a bible. She is represented by Janine Delos Reyes. Janine is a cat lover, an advocate of cross-training, and a Diva with an amazing singing voice. She recently performed at the 6th Annual AmeriAsia International Awards.
Reyna Esperanza (Queen Hope) - Kimmy Panganiban
Reyna Esperanza represents hope, another theological virtue. She carries an anchor linked to the idea of steadfastness. The Queen of Hope will be represented by Kimmy Panganiban from American Hospice Creations.
Reyna Caridad (Queen of Charity) - Aereen Reyes
Reyna Caridad symbolizes the virtue of charity, representing selfless love and the giving of oneself to others in need, she carries a red heart to represent love and compassion. The Queen of Charitt will be represented by Aereen Reyes from AVALON.
Rosa Mistica (Mystical Rose) - Precious Anne Condeza Oño
Rosa Mistica represents the Blessed Virgin Mary in her mystical and immaculate nature. She carries a bouquet of roses.She is represented by Precious Anne Oño, a top model and Miss Philippines USA. Precious also has the title of Miss Face of Beauty International Mexico 2024.
Hollywood Dance Moms
The Dance Moms are a group of Filipina mothers who are passionate about dancing. They are participating in Santacruzan to help in our mission to share the Filipino culture. Hollywood Dance Moms will represent the following Reynas
Reyna de los Santos (Queen of Saints) - Blanca Antonette
Reyna Sheba (Queen of Sheba) - Grace Solomon
Reyna Judith (Queen Judith) - Dista Price
Reyna Esther (Queen Esther) - Trisha Rose Cruz Elegino
Reyna Samaritana (The Female Samaritan) - Yvonne Gonzales
Reyna Abogada (Queen Advocate) - Emeteria Carr
Reyna Del Santisimo Rosario (Queen of the Most Holy Rosary) - Susan Zabala
Reyna Delos Angeles (Queen of the Angels) - Ayra Fong
Reina de los Angeles, the Queen of Angels, is typically accompanied by two angels who proclaim that Jesus' birth signifies peace for God's people on earth. Ayra Fong, an esteemed model with a heart, represents her. She won many titles, including Miss Grand Ambassador 2022, Miss Philippines USA 3rd runner-up, and Miss Philippines USA People's Choice.
Reyna Justicia (Queen of Justice) - Nimpha Gallardo
Reyna Justicia is a personification of the "mirror of justice," she carries a weighing scale and a sword. She will be represented by Nimpha Gallardo, from KCG.
Reyna Luna (Queen of Moon) - Lacy Lee
She represents the moon, which serves as the footstool of Mary as the Woman of the Apocalypse. Lacy Lee, a singer, dancer, and animal rights advocate, represents her. She is also an artist who loves eating fruits.
Reyna Candelária (Queen of Candles) - GG Star
The queen of candles reflects the light of Christ and the purification of souls. She carries a candle symbolizing guidance. She is represented by GG star, a singer, entertainer, teacher, and nurse. She will also perform at Mayfest.
Reyna de la Paz (Queen of Peace) - Joy Alipio
Reyna de la Paz symbolizes the peace that surpasses all understanding. She carries a white dove or an olive branch. Joy Alipio, a representative of ECV Buena Park, will represent her.
Reyna de los Patriarcas (Queen of Patriarchs) - Jacqui Sol Uy
Reyna de los Patriarchs represents the matriarchal figure who is respected and revered by the patriarchs. She carries a scepter or a staff, symbolizing her authority. Jacqui Sol Uy will represent her.
Reyna de los Profetas (Queen of Prophets) - Alin Cohen
The Queen of Prophets is a figure who foretells and upholds the prophecies within the Christian context, she carries a scroll or a book of prophecies. She is represented by Alin Cohen, a beauty queen who loves to travel and go on outdoor adventures. She recently became the Miss Face of Beauty International USA 2024.
Reina de las Estrellas (Queen of the Stars) - Ava Jolie Hymas
Reina de las Estrellas (Queen of the Stars) holds a wand or staff topped with a star, symbolizing Stella Maris ("Star of the Sea"), a title of Mary often invoked by seafarers. The Reyna is represented by Ava Jolie Hymnas, a commercial print model who loves adventure and the outdoors. She also owns a clothing line called Aloha Jolie.
Reyna Vida (Queen of life) - Kristine Billanes
Reyna Vida is an advocate of life who protects every creation that exists on earth. She will be represented by Kristine Billanes, a college student studying medicine. She also runs her own hair and makeup business and is a former Miss Queen of the Universe 2023.
Reyna de los Apóstoles (Queen of Apostles) - Erminda Alipio
Reyna Apostoles embodies the leadership and motherly care provided to the Apostles, she carries a boat or net symbolizing the calling of the Apostles as "fishers of men". The Queen of Apostles will be represented by Erminda Alipio from Elegant Care Villa Buena Park.
Reina del Cielo (Queen of Heaven) - Rizzy Lo
Reyna del Cielo depicts the Virgin Mary as the Queen of Heaven, an honorific title given to her as the mother of Jesus Christ. She wears a crown or a garland of stars emphasizing her celestial dignity. The Reyna will be represented by Rizzy Lo, a California realtor and notary signing agent. She is also a host, singer, and former beauty queen.
Reyna de las Flores (Queen of Flowers) - Vicky Perez De Leon
Reyna de las Flores symbolizes the beauty and fragrance of creation, her presence celebrates the blooming of flowers in May, aligning with the festival's theme, Flores de Mayo. icky Perez De Leon, the former president of the Philippine Nurses Association of Southern California, represents the Queen of Flowers.
Reyna Emperatriz (Queen Empress) - Meden Garcia
As an empress, this Reyna signifies the supreme sovereignty of the Virgin Mary over heaven and earth. This title reflects her majestic and imperial grace. She carries a scepter and an orb symbolizing monarch power. She will be represented by Meden Garcia, the president and owner of Kitchen's Best, Inc. (Saladmaster), where passion for culinary excellence meets innovation in cookware.
Reyna Elena (Queen Helena) - Bea Mclelland
Reyna Elena is the most awaited character in the parade, she represents St. Helena of Constantinople, the mother of Constantine the Great, who is credited with finding the True Cross. She will be represented by no other than a representative from Miss World Philippines. Bea also holds the title Ms. Eco Teen International on 2022, and is a cervical cancer advocate.
Mayfest 2024 promises an unforgettable Santacruzan parade that everyone will enjoy. Each delegate are carefully picked and embodies the virtue of the figures they represent. As people gather for this event, the procession will highlight the rich cultural heritage and faith that the Flores de Mayo celebrates. This parade is set to be a key attraction at Mayfest 2024, bringing together the community in a celebration of unity and cultural pride.
