For the first time since their online reveal, the 20 candidates of the 2023 𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐄𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐒𝐀𝐍 𝐅𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐎 had their first on-site appearance during the pageant’s preliminary competition on May 24 at Vista Mall Pampanga.

This marked the official and actual search for the next “phenomenal and empowered” gay Fernandina queen who will “bear that rainbow flag and further advocate for the rights of the LGBTQ community,” said Fernandino Jomel Lingat Bernel of JLB Event Management, who organized the competition.

At the preliminaries, candidates paraded in their casual wear, showcased their talents highlighting modern and cultural themes, and spoke on various social issues before the panel of judges.

Present at the preliminaries of 𝑸𝒖𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝑺𝒂𝒏 𝑭𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒐, which is part of the Pyestang Fernandino celebration and held in collaboration with the City Government of San Fernando, were City Councilor and Pyesta Chairperson Reggie David and City Tourism and Investment Promotion Officer Ching Pangilinan.

The new Queen is set to be crowned on May 26, 2023, at the Heroes Hall by the reigning title holder, Red Spiegelman of Pulung Bulu. The competition begins at 6:00 PM.