by Mikee N. Norico, BA Comm-4, Centralian Link Intern

Strength, resilience, and integrity. Gallos is committed to upholding the highest standards.

Thresha Marie Gallos, a 22-year-old resident of Guimaras and a 4th-year Bachelor of Arts in Communication student from the CPU Communication Circle, emerged victorious as Mr. CAS 2024 at the highly anticipated Mr. and Ms. CAS 2024 competition. The event, held at the Rose Memorial Auditorium on March 2, 2024, showcased Gallos’s remarkable talents, intellect, and social awareness, propelling her to claim the prestigious title amidst fierce competition.

Gallos triumphed over 16 other contestants from diverse departments within the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), impressing the panel of judges with her poise, eloquence, and unwavering commitment to excellence. The esteemed panel included prominent figures such as Ms. Vanessa Tse Wing, Miss Universe Philippines 2023 – Guimaras; Olivia Hernandez, Miss International Queen Philippines 2023 – Iloilo Province; and Nicklyn Jutay, Binibining Pilipinas 2024 – Iloilo.

In an exclusive interview following her crowning moment, Ms. Gallos shared insights into her journey towards victory and the significance of her win both personally and academically. She expressed gratitude for the validation of her hard work and sacrifices, emphasizing the role of the title as a milestone and a stepping stone towards achieving her goals and making a meaningful impact on her community.

“Personally, it’s a validation of all the hard work, late nights, and sacrifices I’ve made to excel knowing that I am a grad-waiting student. Academically, it signifies my proficiency in applying the knowledge I have learned to real-world experiences and my commitment to continuous learning and growth. Winning this title is not just a milestone but a stepping stone towards achieving my goals and making a meaningful impact to my CASIMANWAS,” Gallos said.

As a BA Communication student, she credited her academic background for preparing her to face the challenges of the media world with resilience and integrity. She highlighted the importance of balancing academic pursuits, extracurricular activities, and pageant preparations, emphasizing the value of time management and prioritization.

“It taught me on how to face tough situations and challenges directly because as a future media practitioner, I carry the responsibility of upholding professional standards. So, no matter how terrifying the circumstances, I’m equipped to balance them with resilience and integrity,” Gallos said.

Ms. Gallos victory not only symbolizes individual success but also serves as a source of inspiration for aspiring students. With plans to leverage her experience for the upcoming Ms. CPUR pageant, she aims to enhance her skills and foster personal and professional development, embodying the values of courage, resilience, and dedication to perfection.

“I want to make the most of this success by applying the abilities, know-how, and perspectives I’ve obtained to improve my competitive readiness. I want to improve my presentation skills, develop my capacity for critical thought, and look for chances for ongoing personal and professional development,” she said.

Participating in pageants like this, she believes, fosters confidence, self-assurance, and a sense of community among peers. As a representative of CPU BA Communication and Ms. College of Arts and Sciences 2024, she aspires to convey messages of unity, empowerment, and excellence, while advocating for causes close to her heart, such as mental health awareness and educational sustainability.

“As Ms. CAS, I plan to utilize my platform to advocate for causes and initiatives that hold personal significance to me such as the impact of social media on one’s mental health. Through partnerships with student organizations, faculty members, and university administration, I aim to enact change and foster a culture of compassion, empathy, and social responsibility within our campus,” Gallos said.

She offered advice to aspiring students, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, hard work, and seeking support from mentors and loved ones. She urged them to never underestimate the power of their purpose and to keep moving forward, echoing the timeless wisdom of Confucius: “It doesn’t matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.”

Gallos’s triumph as Ms. CAS 2024 illuminates the path for future generations of students, inspiring them to pursue their dreams with unwavering determination and resilience. Her journey exemplifies the transformative potential of education, empowerment, and the pursuit of excellence.