BY JO A. NARVAEZ, Ph.D.
Special to The Express
Once again, the Los Banos Fil-Am Association USA proved that solidarity, collaboration and the spirit of camaraderie were key factors in the success of its beauty pageant, the Queen of Queens 2025.
There were three main titles in the pageant: the Fil-Am Association USA Princess 2025, the Fil-Am Association USA Queen of Queens 2025, and the Fil-Am Association USA Empress 2025.
Ariana Flores earned the first title, Fil-Am Association USA Princess 2025, wearing a sweet A-line light yellow tulle gown adorned with flowers that accentuated her beauty and charm as a lovely young lady.
Flores was crowned by Miss Fil-Am 2016, Marielle Gimeno, and her escort, Hin Nguyen. The sash was placed on her by Estrella Sanchez and Robert Flores, and she was awarded the trophy by Cheryl Lim and Victor Lim.
The Queen of Queens 2025, Rezel Cerdan, wore a stunning sequined mermaid silver gown that showcased the exquisite beauty of a Filipina. With her contagious Duchenne smile and majestic presence, she was crowned during the grand coronation ceremony by the Honorable Michael S. Amabile and Jan Therese A. Narvaez, Miss Fil-Am 2008.
Madelyn Hammersley and Peter Hammersley placed the sash on her, while her son, James Logan Cerdan, awarded her the trophy.

The third main title, Fil-Am Association USA Empress 2025, was won by Liwanag “Lynn” Banut, who garnered the highest points in the pageant. She wore a royal blue chiffon gown with a gem waistband and a pair of white evening gloves that added elegance and sophistication, complemented by her sweet and warm smile.
Banut was crowned by Alba B. Stockdale and her husband, Concordio Banut. The sash was placed on her by Leonora Bautista and Greg Andag, and the trophy was awarded by Gilbert Silva and Sheila Pambuena-Silva.
Jenalyn Espina-Marler, the Queen of Queens first runner-up, looked absolutely gorgeous and regal in her radiant blue strapless gown accented with pearls and beads, paired with blue evening gloves and matching jewelry. She was crowned by Emily Vasquez and Antonio Reyna, followed by Dr. Gina Craig and Andrino Ramones, who placed the sash, while sisters Marthy and Len Arcilla awarded the trophy.
The Queen of Queens 2025 second runner-up, Dahlia Gartman, captivated the audience in her eye-catching ivory Filipiniana gown with a Maria Clara alampay and intricate embroidery, revealing the grand and unique beauty of a Filipina.
She was crowned by Marivic and Dave Fisher, the sash was placed on her by Luchi Duncan and Juliette Pazzifore, and the trophy was awarded by sisters Naomi Apilado-Dozier and Eunice Apilado.
The Fil-Am Association USA Empress 2025 first and second runners-up were Lucy Cerio and Norma Webster, respectively.
Lucy Cerio, in her sweet pink gown with puffed sleeves that highlighted her charm and confidence, was crowned by Belen Torres-Moskowitz and Buena Abitago. Sonya and Ronald Lozada placed the sash, and Floradel and Raul Mapote awarded the trophy.
Norma Webster, in her A-line V-neck light jade green satin gown paired with off-white pearl earrings, necklace, and bracelet — all reflecting her compassionate and loving character — was crowned by Edna and Nestor Dimailig.
The sash was placed on her by Sarah and Chris Bamidis, and the trophy was awarded by Nanette Gimeno and Jen Gapasin.
After the crowning ceremony, Mayor Michael Amabile and Miss Fil-Am 2008, Jan Therese A. Narvaez, presented Congressman Adam Gray’s Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition to each of the winners of the Fil-Am Association USA Queen of Queens 2025 pageant.

Intermission numbers included the folk dance “Bulaklakan” (Dance of Floral Garlands), which exhibited Philippine culture and was choreographed by Alba Stockdale, and a line dance to Elvis Presley’s “Kiss Me Quick” and The Mavericks’ “Ride With Me,” choreographed by Greg Andag and Leonora Bautista. Each group performed with grace and artistry, showcasing the dancers’ versatility and creativity.
DJ Angel Manubay from Santa Cruz played the “Tennessee Waltz” for the Royal Dance, followed by a sumptuous dinner featuring lechon as one of the main dishes. After dinner, the dance floor came alive once again with both oldies and Gen Z hits, wrapping up the evening in celebration and joy.
On Aug. 30, during its 31st anniversary celebration, Mayor Michael Amabile and the City Council Members of the City of Los Banos proclaimed Aug. 30, 2025, as Los Banos Fil-Am Day and encouraged all residents to celebrate Filipino-American heritage and recognize their contributions to the City of Los Banos.
The proclamation was presented to Dr. Josefina A. Narvaez, the current president of the Fil-Am Association USA, along with several of the organization’s officers, by the Honorable Michael Amabile.
This ceremonial document serves both as an accolade and as a challenge to the association to continue working diligently in promoting strong partnerships and linkages with other Filipino and non-Filipino communities, government agencies and organizations.
Through these collaborations, the Fil-Am Association USA aims to initiate projects and activities that promote family and community welfare, and perhaps become a catalyst for uniting more volunteers in a shared and meaningful cause.