By Nestle G. Taala
Centralian Ms. Dorothy Marie Gemillan is Miss Iloilo-Universe 2022. Photo by Nifty Fifty Photo Studio.
A triumph for Central Philippine University as well – Miss Dorothy Marie Pastolero Gemillan a third-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing student earned the prestigious crown and title as Miss Iloilo-Universe 2022 during the Miss Iloilo 2022 Pageant Night on January 22, 2022 at Richmonde Hotel – Pool Deck.
Ms. Gemillan’s journey in this endeavor is quite a challenge since her preparation was a bit rushed. According to her, “I had a difficult time training because I was juggling both academics and pageantry. Luckily for me, my handler and mentors understood my situation. They helped me in ways more than one. My family and friends also assisted me in my endeavors, so receiving emotional support was such a relief.”
This future Centralian nurse is most grateful to God, and she considers the crown a blessing from the Almighty. “There were lots of tears and prayers that night, but it was also filled with unexplainable joy. My heartfelt gratitude will always go straight to God first, the source of my strength and hope. All the glory are His alone,” she said.
Meanwhile, the College of Nursing (CON) Community is proud of what Ms. Gemillan has achieved. In fact, in a Facebook post, CON Alumnus Mr. Geoffry Leysa encouraged everyone to support the young lady in her next journey, “we want to support her in this endeavor as she gives pride and honor to our City and our Alma Mater. We are knocking at everyone’s heart as we are raising funds to help her with all her expenses. Any amount that you can share would mean so much to her. This is our best way to show our support and this will lift her confidence.”
Ms. Gemillan would like to, “thank my family and friends who have been with me since day one, the love they have for me and I on them is incomparable. To my amazing handler, Ira Jucaban, who is the most passionate person I know. I’ve never met someone who’s so in love with their craft, and I feel honored to have witnessed your artistry – I owe you this victory. To my team and mentors, Sir Josh Sales, Sir Jojo, Sir Lee, Janjan, Mommy Maimai, Tyrone, and the beautiful Doctor Aica – words alone are not enough to express my love and gratitude for you all. I’m so blessed to have met and been taken care of by such professionals. To my astounding Dean – Atty. Salex E. Alibogha – and to the entire College of Nursing, who has shown their never-ending support all throughout this journey, I am the luckiest girl alive because I’m supported by an amazing group of people. This is my institution’s victory just as it is mine. And for that, I will forever be in their debt.”
Ms. Gemillan will be competing and will represent Iloilo in the upcoming Miss Universe Philippines 2022.
This feat of Ms. Gemillan in one way or another shows that CPU continues to strive for excellence; molding students “to become better individuals, better citizens, better Christians whose dedication and service to God and humanity encompasses the true Central Spirit.”