01/07/2026
They say a crown is only a piece of metalโbut what Samantha M. Gabronino carried onto the Miss Southern Leyte 2026 stage was far greater than any crown. She carried the hopes of a town, the pride of every Malitboganon, and the unwavering belief that our community belongs on the biggest stage.
Being named 4th Runner-Up is more than an achievementโit is a testament to Samantha's grace, determination, and courage. While she may not have taken home the crown, she earned something even more meaningful: the admiration, respect, and love of an entire municipality. She reminded us that true queens are not defined by the titles they wear, but by the lives they inspire.
This journey was never Samantha's alone. It was the story of a community that believed, worked, and dreamed together.
Our heartfelt gratitude goes to the incredible team behind Samantha's remarkable journeyโCreative Director Sir Vic Jourenze Dizon, Q&A Coach Maam Sybil Ledesma, HMUA Dennis Curimatmat & Ally Bandoy, Assistant Joseph Agasa, Photographer John Earl Quiroz, Maโam Sienna Gabronino, Sir Justine Balbon & Maโam Chamonile Anciano of the LGU Mayor's Office. Your creativity, talent, dedication, and countless hours of hard work transformed every challenge into something beautiful. Thank you for bringing out the very best in Samantha and for ensuring she stepped onto every stage with confidence, elegance, and authenticity.
We also extend our sincerest appreciation to our local leaders for believing in this vision from the very beginning. To Mayor Kenneth Blair S. Oben, thank you for your unwavering support and confidence. To Vice Mayor Papias Namoc, our Sangguniang Bayan Members, and every employee of LGU Malitbog, your encouragement empowered Samantha to represent our town with honor, excellence, and pride.
To every Malitboganon who prayed, shared every post, voted, traveled to the venue, waved banners, shouted until your voices were gone, and stood proudly behind our queenโthis achievement belongs to all of you.
A special salute goes to the Supporters, led by Jo De Mesa, together with every volunteer and supporter who poured their hearts into this campaign. Your passion created more than cheersโit created unity. You didn't simply support a candidate; you inspired an entire community to believe in one dream.
And to you, Samanthaโthank you for showing us what it means to lead with humility, confidence, and heart. You made Malitbog stand taller. You gave our people another reason to believe that dreams are worth chasing and that no stage is ever too big for someone who carries their home with pride.
This may be the end of a pageant journey, but it is only the beginning of an even greater story. Your legacy is not measured by a crown, but by the countless hearts you have inspired.
The noise we made was never just for a queenโit was for a community that proved the strength of its unity.
Congratulations, Samantha M. Gabronino.
Together, one more time... let's , Malitbog!
