The English language contains a vast variety of words. Yet, there stands a particular word that perfectly encapsulates the very essence of what student nurses of the University of Santo Tomas are like — Stellar.
As one of the most anticipated events during the nursing week, the annual pageantry, “Stellar: A Journey To Enchanted Dreams And Pursuit Of Advocacies,” packed and illuminated the UST Medicine Auditorium last November 16, 2024. The pageant showcased the contestants’ meaningful advocacies, which was further brought to life by the roaring crowd of students, all set to cheer on their representatives while witnessing the fierce competition.
The event kicked off with an opening production, where the candidates performed the song “Light It Up” while introducing themselves. The Level I representatives were the first to take the stage, with Tisha Beatrice Ocampo and Erik Raphael Contreras representing Team 1.1, Eshe Joselle Sta. Ines and Juancho Alonso Palacios for Team 1.2, and Shayne Iluhmina Jao and Lien Dominic Nonan for Team 1.3. Following them, the Level II contestants vied for the crown, with Cez Alex Carreon and Andre Matthew Dela Vega representing Team 2.1 and Leandrei Miguel Parilla and Lynnea Gwyneth Villanueva representing Team 2.2. The Level III representatives raised the banner with Gideon Manalo and Marie Chelsea Abelar for Team 3.1 and Enrico Luis Felix and Andi Marie Frances Cruz for Team 3.2. Last but certainly not least, the Level IV contestants took the spotlight, with Hannah Andrea Ranara and Rhyan Quiambao for Team 4.1, Renee Kristine Banzon and Andreih Jose Caritativo for Team 4.2, and John Carlo Colacion and Pauline Ellaine Casimiro for Team 4.3.
Photo by Mark Jonel Abad
A defining aspect of this pageant is the powerful advocacies championed by the candidates. The audience was captivated by the diverse range of causes: Animal Welfare and Rights, HIV and Breast Cancer Awareness, Accessible Quality Healthcare for All, Gender Equity, Disaster Preparedness, Marine Biodiversity Protection, Youth Empowerment, and much more. All of the candidates brought their chosen cause to life through a stunning and creative display of custom-made capes paired with matching costumes. The capes were adorned with bold and soft colors, illustrations, sparkling jewels, and powerful slogans, which served as a visual representation of their missions the way they saw fit.
For instance, one of the candidates wore a cape featuring green and blue ribbons, symbolizing the forests and waters of the Sierra Madre, a tribute to their commitment to environmental justice. Another showcased a beautiful cape embellished with flowers and women's faces, drawing attention to the urgent need to combat violence against women in the country. Other candidates wowed the audience with a cape designed with gold beads, illustrating the faces of both the young and the old, emphasizing the critical importance of urban health.
Photo by Mark Jonel Abad
The seven male and six female candidates moving to the semi-finals were decided and announced upon this portion. Male candidates 1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 moved forward in the competition, while female candidates 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, and 10 joined them. The glitz and glamor continued into the formal wear portion of the pageant, providing yet another avenue for the candidates to shine. But beauty is not without wits; the random word impromptu portion was what truly tested the candidates’ skills. This portion of the event demanded quick thinking and the ability of the candidates to formulate a substantial speech from a given prompt under the pressure of a 30-second timer. Each contestant picked out a random word ranging from personal values, competencies, and adjectives surrounding the nursing profession, such as “vigilance,” “courage,” and “vocation.” This round was a testament to the contestants’ intelligence and eloquence as they confidently provided the audience and judges with their speeches.
Undeniably, this year’s Stellar was filled with outstanding contestants, but as most competitions are, only one can be crowned as Ms. and Mr. Stellar 2024. The crowd was etched with excitement and curiosity as they waited for the crowning of the new title holders of the pageant. The former champions Ma. Kathrina Pauline Cudia and Jose Antonio Liandro Avellana, who also served as the judges for this event, passed on the crown to Hannah Andrea Ranara and Andre Matthew Dela Vega. With Marie Chelsea Abelaras and Gideon Manalo as the first runner-ups; Cez Alex Carreon and John Carlo Colacion as the second runner-ups, and Pauline Ellaine Casimiro and Andreih Jose Caritativo as the third runner-ups.
Photo by Mark Jonel Abad
In addition to the main pageant titles, the pageant also celebrated the exceptional qualities and unique attributes of the contestants through a series of special awards. Each winner received a sash and certificate in recognition of these feats.
One of the most special awards was the People's Choice Award, which reflected the overwhelming support of the student body to their respective candidates. This award was presented to the contestants who garnered the highest number of reactions to all their photos posted on the NCBS Social Media Page. Male candidate number 9, Andreih Jose Caritativo, and female candidate number 10, Pauline Ellaine Casimiro, were honored with this popular title.
The Miss and Mister Congeniality Award winner were chosen by the candidates themselves, wherein the award recognized the contestants who displayed the most kindness and camaraderie throughout the competition. The titles went to Andreih Jose Caritativo, male candidate number 9, and Hannah Andrea Ranara, female candidate number 8.
Miss and Mister Photogenic were given to the contestants who truly shone in their photographic representations. In addition to a sash and certificate, the winners also received a framed portrait of their photo. The coveted titles went to Andre Matthew Dela Vega, male candidate number 4, and Hannah Andrea Ranara, female candidate number 8.
Another special recognition was the Best in Production Number award, which acknowledged the contestants who excelled in the dance opening production. This award was based on performance scores, with John Carlo Colacion, male candidate number 10, and Hannah Andrea Ranara, female candidate number 8, emerging as the winners.
One of the most anticipated awards was the Beauty Embodied in Advocacy Award, which honored the contestants who demonstrated the most impactful commitment to their chosen cause through their advocacy video. This award recognized not only the contestants' passion for making a difference but also their ability to inspire others to take action on critical social issues. The winners were candidates number 9, Renee Kristine Banzon and Andreih Jose Caritativo, whose advocacy videos stood out for their depth and emotional resonance.
The Best in Advocacy Costume award highlighted the creativity and dedication of the contestants in designing custom-made capes that symbolized the causes they championed. Gideon Manalo, male candidate number 6, and Pauline Ellaine Casimiro, female candidate number 10, were celebrated for their visually striking and meaningful designs.
Finally, the Best in Evening Wear award was presented to the contestants who embodied elegance, sophistication, and grace during the formal wear segment. While each candidate showcased beauty in their unique way, the evening’s most graceful moments were captured by Gideon Manalo, male candidate number 6, and Hannah Andrea Ranara, female candidate number 8.
While the crown may have gone to Andre and Hannah, every contestant left a winner as the auditorium cheered and celebrated for each contestant and applauded their advocacies. One can say that the pageant ultimately became a night that celebrated the real heart of nursing—compassion and service to others.
The night ended with a statement - Stellar is an avenue for the bright and promising stars to shine.
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