Committed to building a brighter future where everyone can live beyond labels, the Sorsogon State University Sports, Culture and Arts Services Unit headed by Mr. Oliver F. Garbin, the Supreme Student Council, the Gender and Development, the League of Arts and Design and the Dance Theater and Cultural Group through its overall chairperson, Engr. Clifford G. Gaton, the Sports Coordinator of Sorsogon City Campus, organized and hosted Mx. Olympus on March 13, 2024 at the SorSU covered court.
As a gender-safe environment, the Pamantasang May Puso supports equality and inclusivity where everyone is heard and everyone is respected.
The program began with a Makabayan song and a melodious rendition of “Ama Niamo.” It was followed by the opening message of Dr. Telesforo D. Escoto, the Campus Director of Sorsogon City. In his message he said, “The event is not just a celebration of beauty and talent but also a testament to the diversity, inclusivity and acceptance that the university stands for. This pageant is a testament to the resilience of our LGBTQIA+ community and it’s an opportunity for us to break down barriers and foster a more inclusive and accepting environment.” He also encouraged everyone to support the candidates and appreciate their courage and recognize their beauty in diversity.
The Guidelines for Mx. Olympus 2024 were presented and was subsequently followed by the introduction of the Board of Judges. The panel of judges for the event were Prof. Carina L. Sales, Ms. Justine Joy Bornel, Mr. Kenneth Chua Funtelar, Mr. Keith Jefferson Boboyo, and Mr. Kenneth Lloyd Gomez.
The Mx. Olympus pageant featured eight candidates who vied for the coveted crown in a showdown of wit, poise and beauty. The pageant was a powerful platform in breaking discrimination and inequity, a perfect embodiment of the true essence of inclusivity.
Addressing the audience, Mr. Oliver F. Garbin, Head of SorSU Sports, Culture and Arts Services Unit said, “Mx. Olympus 2024 is a groundbreaking event in the Pamantasang May Puso where we highlight the importance of inclusivity and promote a diverse representation within our community. As the first university to create such activity we are proud to showcase the advocacy of our candidates who embody the spirit of unity and understanding. The Mx. Olympus serves as a testament of our commitment in fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, respected and welcomed. By celebrating the unique talent and perspective of our participants we strive to create a more inclusive and diverse campus for all. Mx. Olympus aims to break barriers and challenges and encourage open mindedness and empathy. This event not only promotes the importance of inclusivity and diversity but also foster a deeper appreciation for individual journey.”
The pageant’s segments consisted of the Production Number Competition, the Advocacy Presentation Competition, the Creative Attire Competition, Sports Wear Competition, the Formal Wear Competition and the Question and Answer (Q&A) Portion. During the opening salvo and the Production Number Competition, the candidates’ striking presence and confidence brought the pageant to life. Spectators cheered wildly when the candidates made an Advocacy Presentation where they flaunted their spectacular talents and wit.
The candidates who were meticulously selected by the pageant organizers showed phenomenal creativity during the Creative Attire Competition. Strutting down the stage, the candidates captivated the audience with their poise and charm.
The Sports Wear was the next round of the competition. The candidates donning their fashionable sports suit oozed with fabulous confidence as they took the stage.
There was a thunderous applause when the candidates showed off their runway skills and walked the stage in their awe-inspiring Formal Wear.
Based on beauty and wits, the candidates were trimmed down to five. Maintaining calm under pressure, the five (5) candidates performed at their best in the Q&A segment.
Cheers became louder as the winners were chosen by the esteemed panel of judges.
The results are as follows:
Minor Awards:
People’s Choice Award – Candidate 2, College of Engineering and Architecture (CoEA)—Verdant Vipers Vhana De Jesus
Mx. Advocacy – Candidate 7, College of Teacher Education and Midwifery (CoTEdM)—Navy Falcons Argie Arkanghel
Best in Production Number – Candidate 7, College of Teacher Education and Midwifery (CoTEdM)—Navy Falcons Argie Arkanghel
Best in Creative Attire – Candidate 4, College of Business and Management (CBM)—Golden Phoenix Amanda Allison McGarry
Best in Sports Attire – Candidate 7, College of Teacher Education and Midwifery (CoTEdM)—Navy Falcons Argie Arkanghel
Best in Formal Wear – Candidate 5, College of Engineering and Architecture (CoEA)—Verdant Vipers Riri Laudato Estiller
Best in Ramp – Candidate 7, College of Teacher Education and Midwifery (CoTEdM)—Navy Falcons Argie Arkanghel
Major Awards:
Mx. Olympus Fire 2024 – Candidate 5, College of Engineering and Architecture (CoEA)—Verdant Vipers Riri Laudato Estiller
Mx. Olympus Water 2024 – Candidate 2, College of Engineering and Architecture (CoEA)—Verdant Vipers Vhana De Jesus
Mx. Olympus Earth 2024 – Candidate 1, College of Teacher Education and Midwifery (CoTEdM)—Navy Falcons Maria Cassandra Cristina Mendoza
Mx. Olympus Air 2024 – Candidate 4, College of Business and Management (CBM)—Golden Phoenix Amanda Allison McGarry
Mx. Olympus 2024 – Candidate 7, College of Teacher Education and Midwifery (CoTEdM)—Navy Falcons Argie Arkanghel
Conquering the stage with elegance and wit, Mx. Argie Arkanghel made her way up to the top, securing the spot as Mx. Olympus 2024. Radiating with sophistication, the reigning Mx. Olympus 2023, Mx Love Jintalan made her graceful final walk. The evening culminated with the crowning of Mx. Olympus 2024 and the pageant was concluded by the closing remarks of Engr. Clifford G. Gaton.
The glitzy event made the night entertaining for everyone in attendance. Unprecedented in scale and grandeur, the pageant was indeed FABulous! (SorSU PIO)
