An annual tradition of unveiling the best and the brightest had yet again highlighted a parade of stars as part of the celebration for the 80th Foundation of Batangas Eastern Colleges.
With the theme “Feel the Light”, this year’s edition of Mr. & Miss BEC garnered admiration and deep impressions as each candidate shined in their own way! Almost 24 Beacons competing for the titles went all out in various categories showcasing their beauty, brains, and virtues while each representing one country or nation.
Channeling a perfect fusion of charm and winning advocacies, Gabriel Ivan Hoe Gonzalvo and Denise Luna were named as the newly-crowned Mr. & Miss BEC 2019. It was a burst of tremendous cheer for Sophomores as both winners are hailed from Grade 8 Junior High School Level.
The competition was held last October 21, 2019, at the BEC gymnasium. However, a pre-pageant was made along with a pre-voting for the candidates sponsored by McDonald’s. The highest numbers of votes were taken by [name of Candidates] and awarded as “Face of McDonald’s”.
For the much-awaited coronation night, it has been conceptualized to feature the culture of different nations all over the world in the furtherance of putting emphasis on international understanding and promoting strong goodwill to make an impact – no matter how small or big it may create a difference to the world.
Gonzalvo, a Grade 8-Venus student, bagged the crown as he inspired not only the judges but also everyone to protect Mother Earth. His advocacy exemplified his passion to care for the environment as he stands for recycling; which for him is a must and a well-embraced obligation as a responsible Filipino citizen. The refined gent showcased his charm and wit all throughout the competition; which makes it no surprise for him to be chosen for the following: “Mr. Executive Choice Award” (a title awarded for the chosen candidate favored by the executives of the institution), “Best Casual Attire” (for being the most captivating while strutting down the runway) and the “Best National Costume” (as he amazingly iconized the American-style costume in the representation of the United States of America).
Luna, from the class of Grade 8 – Sun, was crowned as the winner for the embodiment of natural beauty and a compassionate heart. She won the awards for the following: “Ms. Classic Beauty” (for her effortless elegance), “Best in National Costume” and “Best National Costume” (in recognition for her distinctively picturesque Equadorian look. What led her straight to winning was her advocacy “Born Beautiful” which highly epitomized the special care for children with Down Syndrome. As it is very close to her heart, she passionately pushes this promising advocacy to inspire and emphasize the need for raising maximal attention concerning this special condition. Her genuine aspiration for this advocacy project stems from her love for her younger sister, Jana, and which she quoted “I will keep fighting for her rights as she taught me to appreciate everyone’s beauty”.
Not far behind, the candidates who also locked their places for the runner-up titles took center-stage. Posiedon Sevilla (Grade 10-Sincerity, representing Chile) and Kristine Joyce Guillermo (Grade 11-Berthold Hoselitz, representing Venezuela) won the First Runner-up titles, who both captured the hearts of the judges and the audience, not only because of their looks but also by their advocacies. Sevilla hailed as “Mr. Enchanted Kindness” for his genuine compassion and love for others, promoted advocacy focused on planting trees; while Guillermo’s advocacy is dedicated to Self-love and Self-worth.
Grabbing the spot for Second Runner up, Terence Reagan Iyas (Grade 7-Colossians) and Antonette Francine Lunes (Grade 9-Platinum) showed exemplary performance and emotion-evoking advocacies. They presented their support for the causes (raised by many world advocates) that are focused on providing love for dogs and Anti-bullying – which pertains to Iyas and Lunes’ advocacy projects respectively.
The Third Runner-up titles were taken by Sean Wesley Salapare (Grade 9-Gold representing the African country of Zimbabwe) and Ashley Grace Panganiban (Grade 8-Saturn representing France). Salapare won “Mr.Dashing Debonair Award” for his captivating charm and he also swept the hearts of the audience with his advocacy for plant-caring. Earning the title “Ms. Cheerful Soul”, Panganiban exudes the charismatic vibe of happiness while making a stand for a clean environment. She regards herself as an Earth Warrior, believing that in her own simple way she can contribute to maintaining the cleanliness to our planet.
Meanwhile, the holders for the Fourth Runner-up titles came from the classes of Grade 10 and Grade 11. Christian Mhar Mandigma (Grade 10-Prosperity, representing South Africa) and Laika Acel Maranan (Grade 11, representing Argentina) claimed the winning spot by their defining attractive looks and inspiring advocacies. Mandigma earned the title of “Mr. Good-looking” while Maranan was awarded with two titles, the “Ms. Runway” and “Ms. Model Figure and Form”.
From their elaborated National costumes (which they’ve perfectly done justice to each country they’re representing) up to their eye-catching and splendid performances alongside with their inspiring advocacies, all of the candidates truly didn’t fail to create an astounding impression!
The pageant’s principle objective is to celebrate and brought every beacon together in embracing diversity, friendly competition, and encouraging to make a change in their own simple ways. Without a doubt, this annual pageantry is a success – being an avenue for showcasing a Beacon’s character and how each of them is molded to give light to the world!
