“Tonight, we gather in celebration of beauty in all its forms, embracing diversity, and honoring the essence of inner and outer radiance. We hold this annual pageant where beauty meets grace, and elegance intertwines with intelligence…In the world of pageantry, we, as spectators, witness how our candidates embody self-confidence, poise, and the ability to face challenges with grace…From the glamorous evening gown portion to the intense Q&A, contestants must maintain their composure even in the face of pressure. That is why we must acknowledge the effort, the training and sacrifices our candidates had gone through just to be here on the stage before you. It is not all about glitz and glamour. It is about hard work and determination,” said Dr. April Evangelista, the beautiful President of the St. John Paul II College of Davao City (SJPIICD), in her opening speech during the beauty pageant in the Search for the Miss SJPIICD 2024 held last February 7, 2024, at the school’s covered quadrangle.
The Miss SJPIICD 2024, a most awaited annual beauty pageant of the school, was a very well attended event led by the school’s founder, Mercedes Evangelista, school President Dr. April Evangelista, VP for Administration Dr. Ernesto Evangelista, department school heads, faculty members, and the loud cheering students of the institution. The pageant judges for this year included the City Tourism Officer of Loreto Kymp Amparado, lawyer Nikki Louise Tan, Miss Earth Philippines-Mindanao Mary Bless Arano, Patnubay ng Dabaw Piligrina Jendy Bentayao, and Arch’t. Michael E. Dakudao, Ph.D. Hosting the pageant was Rex del Rosario. The fast-paced beauty pageant was under the direction of no less than the in-demand choreographer and stage director, Arnold L. Alvarez.
Nine candidates representing the various departments of the SJPIICD opened the pageant dressed in various colorful and shimmering outfits to introduce themselves. The candidates then looked amazing when they changed into stylized clothed representing the various tribes of Mindanao. They then changed into formal wear as they did their catwalk on stage dressed in flowing gowns designed by Davao’s designers of their choice. These nine candidates were judged according to Beauty of Face, Beauty of Figure, Advocacy, Poise & Bearing, and Wit & Intelligence. From the nine candidates, the judges chose the lucky five semi-finalists. Then the special awards was announced. Christyl Jane Santander from the College of Nursing, then a front runner in the pageant, won the awards for Miss Photogenic, Best in Advocacy, Best in Casual Wear and Best in Mindanao Tapestry.
The nine candidates were then narrowed down to five semi-finalists then to the three finalists namely Kianne Karylle Gorrero (College of Teacher Education), Divine Kyla Britos (College of Business Administration) and Christyl Jane Santander (College of Nursing). The common question asked of the finalists was, “Winning the title of Miss SJPIICD 2024, what will your greatest contribution be in achieving your goals?”
Before the final announcement of the winners, Miss SJPIICD 2023 Khicy Sarin was introduced to appear on stage to give her farewell message. The six candidates then dressed in glittering formal gowns appeared on stage to join the three finalists for the proclamation. It was Corporate Treasurer Mercy Evangelista, President April Evangelista, Dr. Ernesto Evangelista, and Khicy Sarin, among others, who crowned the new Miss SJPIICD 2024, Divine Kyla Britos from the College of Business Administration. Her court consisted of First Runner Up Kianne Karylle Gorrero and Second Runner Up Christyl Jane Santander.
Congratulations to Miss SJPIICD 2024 Divine Kyla Britos and her court; and to all the candidates who participated in the search for Miss SJPIICD 2024.
