Mister & Miss BukSU 2024 picks for intelligence, beauty, advocacy

Pageant winners often serve as ambassadors for their communities or organizations. Intelligence ensures they can effectively represent and speak on important issues. Beauty, on the other hand, is a positive representation though it varies, but a pageant often celebrates it to challenge negative stereotypes. And, advocacy demonstrates leadership skills to mobilize support. Pageant platforms provide opportunities for contestants to advocate for causes they believe in.

By combining intelligence, beauty, and advocacy, titleholders can be effective role models who inspire others and make a positive impact on their communities.

This is evident in the recent crowning of BS Nursing student Andei Cep Marius R. Pagaura from the College of Nursing (CON) and BS Development Communication student Nicole Grace L. Ampong from the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) as Mister and Miss Bukidnon State University 2024.

Both Pagaura and Ampong won the Best in Close Door Interview and Best in Advocacy awards, while Pagaura was hailed Best in Talent during the preliminary competition.

“The powerful answer of our Mr. BukSU 2024, representing the College of Nursing, was undeniable during the pageant. With clarity, confidence, and conviction, he delivered an answer that resonated deeply with everyone. Speaking not just from the mind but from the heart embodying the true essence of leadership and compassion that defines a BukSU nurse,” CON-Student Body Organization shared.

Pagaura’s answer secured the back-to-back win for the CON.

Meanwhile, Ampong made history as the first-ever Ms. BukSU from the Development Communication Department.

“Every time I spoke to her during Q&A sessions, advocacy discussions, and pasarela practice, I could sense she was fighting for something deeper. That passion became the driving force behind her victory. She has a commanding, eloquent voice, and she thinks on her feet, quickly crafting thoughtful responses. As a coach, trust is crucial in shaping these inherent strengths, and in Cole’s case, that trust led to her success,” said CAS faculty member Mr. Jose Benito S. Ronolo, who served as Ampong’s pageant coach.  

“The values of Development Communication—such as empowerment, participation, inclusivity, education, ethical responsibility, cultural sensitivity, sustainability, and collaboration—empower contestants to raise awareness on social issues, advocate for sustainable solutions, and engage in ethical, culturally sensitive dialogue. DevComm helps contestants use their platforms to inspire change, making these competitions meaningful spaces for advancing social causes and fostering global understanding,” DevComm Department expressed.

Rounding out the top 5 for Mister BukSU are:

First runner-up: Siegfred Anferny Melendez from the College of Education

Second runner-up: Huey Krent T. Cuenco from the College of Nursing

Third runner-up: Mark Larence G. Saballa from the College of Public Administration and Governance

Fourth runner-up: Andrew Kevin M. Abler from the College of Technologies

Also among the top 5 for Miss BukSU are:

First Runner-Up: April Done Galambao from the College of Education

Second Runner-Up: Margarett P. Briones from the College of Nursing

Third Runner-Up: Margalo Clarrise J. Fernandez from the College of Arts and Sciences

Fourth Runner-Up: Jannah Vebs R. Balaman from the College of Business

(BukSU-Information Unit)

(Photos: Collegianer, the official student publication of Bukidnon State University)