Santacruzan Fashion Show, Awards and Coronation Gala 2026 March 28, 2026 – Embassy Suites Naperville

The Santacruzan Fashion Show, Awarding, and Coronation Gala, held on March 28, 2026 at the Embassy Suites in Naperville, Illinois, was a vibrant celebration of faith, culture, and community spirit under the leadership of President JoAnne S. Turija. The evening featured a stunning fashion show showcasing the inspired designs of Tata Blas Piñuela and Antonio Doloso, beautifully highlighting the elegance and symbolism of the traditional Filipiniana Gowns and Barong. Elegantly adorned participants brought Filipino heritage to life, with Ms. Ava Monsalud gracing the occasion as Reyna Elena, while the presence of Philippine Consulate Consul General Melanie Rita Diano and Consul Ella Mitra added distinction to the event.
The program also recognized distinguished individuals for their service and dedication, conferring the Outstanding Religious Service Award to Atty. David Stejkowski and Earl Garcia, and the Humanitarian Awards to Dr. Raphael Roxas Castro and Mrs. Nancy Dizon Castro. The evening culminated in a graceful coronation, uniting families and supporters in a joyful tribute to devotion, unity, and cultural pride.

Fr. Sunny Castillo
Spiritual Adviser

Reyna Clamor
Host

Joanne Turija
President

Consul General Atty. Melanie Rita B. Diano and Joanne Turija

Lalaine Bernardo and Irene Gonzaga

Santacruzan Group Officers and Members

Front – Ava Monsalud, Raina Helena 2026, Constantini – Alonso Paul L. Saltoc
Back from left – Casienmari Puig, Raina Helena 2025, Abby Turija, Raina Helena 2018, Madeline Morrow, Raina Helena 2022,

 

From left – Joanne Turija, Fr. Sunny Castillo, Consul General Atty. Melanie Rita B. Diano, Sharon and Chris Yamat of Pinoy Grill and Consul Ella Mitra.

From left – Fr. Sunny Castillo, Dr. Rafael and Mrs. Nancy Castro (Humanitarian Awardees), Fr. Dindo Billote, Joanne Turija, Alice Lagman and RJ Turija.

Fr. Sunny, Atty. David Stejkowski, Fr. Evan and Joanne

From left – Dr. Grazie D. Pedroso, Kay Corcelles, Irene Gonzaga, Sweet Sarita, Lalaine Bernardo, Melody Angstadt, Jane Miran, Joanne Turija and Sharon Yama

From left – Tiffany and Leslie Ganaden, Melanie Gaden, Rainer and Jessica Ecang, Vivian Ganaden and Priscilla Monsalud

Models from Tata Blas Jerome Pinuela Collections

Rhythm of the Island

FAASD Dance Group

WEA Angels

PNAGC Dance Group

J-force Dance Crew

Santacruzan Dance Group From Left – Kay Corcelles, Sweet Sarita, Grace Bambule, Veniece Jocson, Bless DiCosimo, Irene Soriano, Loida Soco, Atty. Carmel Mercado, Lalaine Bernardo, Joanne Turija, Angela Cascolan, Lallie Rellora and Melanie Gaden

The Royal Dance

The Royal Court with the Raina Helena 2026 Ava Monsalud and with her Constantino Alonso Paul L. Saltoc