“SEEING” our dearest candidates makes me remember the time when I visited the famous Louvre museum in France where the most fascinating painting, the Mona Lisa, can be seen and admired. Because like the artworks in the Louvre, our candidates are like works of fine art, not only are they beautiful, but they are also filled with value and substance.
They are not only to be admired because of their beauty but also because of their importance,” said Dr. April Evangelista, the glamorous 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 2023 held last February 21, 2023, at the school’s covered quadrangle.
The Miss SJPIICD 2023, a most awaited annual beauty pageant of the school, was held again after three years following the Covid-19 Pandemic Restrictions.
The very well attended event was led by the school’s founder, Mercy Evangelista, school President Dr. April Evangelista, VP for Administration Dr. Ernesto Evangelista, department school heads, faculty members, students, and even guests coming from Manila and Canada. The pageant judges for this year included City Tourism Officer Jennifer Romero, Dr. Rick Audan, Waterfront Insular Hotel GM Ali Banting, Arch’t. Michael E. Dakudao, Ph.D., fashion designer Klevin Bartolaba, and beauty queens Romechelle Escrin, Reina Kobayashi and Jehza Huelar. Hosting the pageant was Rex del Rosario. The fast-paced beauty pageant was under the direction of the in-demand artist, Arnold L. Alvarez.
18 candidates representing the various departments of the SJPIICD opened the pageant dressed in various colorful outfits representing the various tribes of Mindanao. They then changed to casual outfits to introduce themselves; and again did their catwalk on stage dressed in flowing gowns designed by Klevin Bartolaba. These 18 candidates were judged according to Beauty of Face, Beauty of Figure, Advocacy, Poise & Bearing, and Wit & Intelligence. From the 18 candidates, the judges chose the lucky nine semi-finalists; followed by the announcement of the special awards. Rina Nakaya won the Most Photogenic and Miss Olive Skin titles; Miss Congeniality was Nimfa Ann Telen; Khicy Sarin got the Best Advocacy, Best in Casual Wear and Best in Evening Gown awards; while Voters Choice award went to Angel Justine Basio.The nine semi-finalists, who were dressed in identical evening gowns by Stunning Creations of Christopher Ledesma and Richie Uy, were then narrowed down to five finalists. The five finalists had to answer a common question from the office of the Student Affairs Coordinator, Ms. Jocelyn Rodriguez. The question asked of the finalists was, “How will winning the title of Miss SJPIICD 2023 do to achieve your goals?”
Before the final announcement of the winners, Miss SJPIICD 2020 Niezel Ann Manguiob was introduced and appeared on stage to give her farewell address. The five finalists who were dressed in gold gowns by the fashion designer from Butuan Klevin Bartolaba came out on stage along with the rest of the candidates for the winner proclamation. It was Corporate Treasurer Mercy Evangelista, President April Evangelista, Dr. Ernesto Evangelista, and Nezel Ann Manguiob who crowned the new Miss SJPICD 2023 Khicy Sarin from the College of Nursing. Her court consisted of First Runner Up Angel Basio from the College of Criminal Justice Education; Second Runner Up Princess Rina Nakaya from Senior High School; Third Runner Up Hazel Inahid from the College of Hospitality & Tourism Management; and finally, Keannah Ann Corpin from the College of Teacher Education.“Mind you, these candidates worked hard to appear on stage. They had training and rehearsals for one month.
They had to learn and practice how to walk gracefully wearing five-inch heels; had to go on a strict diet to look good in their various outfits; and had to study and prepare for the Q&A portion…I am truly proud of all the candidates. I admire their hard work, patience, guts and confidence to present themselves in front of so many people,” commented Dr. April Evangelista who looked gorgeous in her black column gown featuring a lacy bodice.Congratulations to Miss SJPIICD 2023 Khicy Sarin and her court and to all the candidates who participated in the search for Miss SJPIICD 2023.
Fotos:
SJPIICD President April Evangelista
Miss SJPIICD 2023 Khicy Sarin (center) and her Court
The 18 candidates in the Search for Miss SJPIICD 2023
(l-r): Ali Banting, April Evangelista, Michael E. Dakudao, Mercy Evangelista, Jennifer Romero, Reina Kobayashi, Rick Audan
