Ilocos Norte native Melinda Rafanan has been selected as the "Queen of Queens of Solsona of Hawaii 2025," an event set to take place on January 24, 2025, at the Solsona Municipal Auditorium.
For this historic occasion, Rafanan has invited senatorial aspirant and political figure Luis "Manong Chavit" Singson as the guest of honor. The coronation will commence at 6 p.m. and is expected to be a highlight of the town’s festivities.
Singson, known for his involvement in various community and national events, previously supported the Miss Universe pageant during its Philippine hosting in 2016. Although he was once offered the franchise for Miss Universe, Singson declined, opting instead to back any future franchise holders.
Rafanan highlighted the importance of the coronation, describing it as a celebration of unity, friendship, love, and the Filipino spirit of bayanihan (communal cooperation).
"Bilang isa sa mga iginagalang na pinuno ng politika at negosyante na tunay na nagpapakita ng mga katangiang ito sa katutubong lalawigan ng Ilocanos, ang iyong pagdalo at pakikilahok sa koronasyon ay lubos na magpaparangal at magdaragdag ng ningning sa okasyon at magbibigay ng higit na kahalagahan sa sandaling ito," Rafanan stated in her formal invitation to Singson.
The coronation will coincide with the Balikbayan Night, which marks the official opening of the 2025 Solsona Gameng Festival.
The event is expected to draw Filipino attendees from Hawaii and the U.S. mainland, uniting Solsona locals and the global Ilocano community in celebration.
