By Mikee Natinga Norico

Members of the CPU Senior High School Student Council and Mr. and Ms. SHS 2025 Committee gather for a group photo after the successful Mr. and Ms. CPU SHS 2025 Preliminary Competition on March 5, 2025, at the Rose Memorial Auditorium.

On March 5, 2025, Central Philippine University (CPU) Senior High School (SHS) students gathered at the Rose Memorial Auditorium for the highly anticipated Mr. and Ms. CPU SHS 2025 Preliminary Competition. The event, organized by the Mr. and Ms. CPU SHS 2025 committee, featured an exciting showcase of talent, sportswear, and poise as candidates vied for a spot in the final round.

The program commenced with an opening prayer led by SHS Student Council Board Member Mr. Jerych Angelo Maralit, followed by the National Anthem and CPU Hymn. The event’s vibrant energy was set with an electrifying production number, preparing the audience for an afternoon of competition and celebration.

Mr. Wilson Paul C. Andion, SHS Student Council Vice Governor, delivered the opening remarks, drawing inspiration from Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach. “A dream is a picture of a possibility, and we should have a strong heart and a prepared mind to turn that into reality,” he quoted, acknowledging the dedication and perseverance of the candidates and organizers. He also extended gratitude to parents, teachers, and students for their unwavering support.

The panel of esteemed judges included Dr. Teresita “Teray” Ecube Portugalete-Nolledo, a Physical Education Professor at the University of the Philippines Visayas; Ms. Madelle Estaya, a registered medical technologist and former Mutya ng Guimaras 2015 and Miss Philippines Earth Guimaras 2017; and Mr. Juden John De La Banda, a faculty member of CPU Senior High School. Their expertise and experience provided credibility in selecting the best candidates for the next stage of the competition.

From left to right: Mr. Juden John De La Banda, Dr. Teresita ‘Teray’ Ecube Portugalete-Nolledo, and Ms. Madelle Estaya pose for a group photo as the distinguished panel of judges for the Mr. and Ms. CPU SHS 2025 preliminary competition.

Candidates took the stage in the Sportswear Competition, showcasing confidence and style. The audience was then treated to an exhilarating intermission performance by Hugyaw Lawin, CPU UDay Hip-Hop Champion, before the much-awaited Talent Portion. Contestants demonstrated their unique abilities, further proving their readiness for the upcoming final round. Another musical intermission followed, featuring Ms. Marjorie Rice from the University Senior High School Faculty.

The event concluded with the awarding of certificates to the judges, presented by Council Adviser Herman Jornadal, Event Chairperson BM Trisha Mae Mondeja, and Event Co-Chairperson BM Atashia Erin Sagge. Ms. Mondeja also gave the closing remarks, expressing her gratitude to all those who contributed to the success of the event. “To our candidates, congratulations on showcasing your confidence, talent, and hard work. You have set the stage for the exciting final round,” she said.

The competition ended with a closing prayer led by Mr. Wilson Paul C. Andion, SHS Student Council Vice Governor. As the preliminary round wrapped up, the excitement now builds for the final round and coronation of Mr. and Ms. CPU SHS 2025, which is set to take place on March 20, 2025, at the Rose Memorial Auditorium.

Stay tuned as the journey continues to crown the next ambassadors of beauty, confidence, and leadership at CPU Senior High School.