By Krisvimar Nogra – BA COMM 4, Centralian Link Intern

Elisha Caramel Vilvar (middle) with her fellow Mutya ng WVPRISSA candidates (Photo Credits: Mdpn. Lee Harvey P. Gumban of The Dolphin)

Excellence, sportsmanship, and fellowship–these are only three traits a Mutya ng PRISAA must possess in order to inflict change during her reign. In the recent search for the next Mutya ng Western Visayas Private Schools Athletic Association (WVPRISAA) 2026, the qualifying pageants for Western Visayan candidates, a Grade 12 student went on to show her star on the rise and delivered Centralian excellence on the stage of John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University-Arevalo Gym last April 10, 2026.

Elisha Caramel Vilvar is a proud Centralian Steelhawk taking up the Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) strand in Central Philippine University. “Belai,” as what her family and friends call her, has once represented the Philippines in the World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in 2022 and was crowned Princess of the Universe – Philippines in 2023, two instances in which her talents have set her up for success. A seasoned performing representative from the Senior High School Department, Vilvar has competed in the Centralian Icon 2024 competition, where she concluded her run as the First Runner-up, and was crowned Miss Senior High School 2025, making her the official delegate to the search for Miss Central Philippine University in October of the same year. As the Miss Senior High School (SHS) in the Miss CPU pageant, she bagged the Best in Talent and Best in Evening Gown awards, placing third overall and making her the Miss CPU – University Day 2025.

In February 2026, Vilvar was crowned Mutya ng ILOPRISAA 2026 at the Western Institute of Technology RTS Campus. After almost two months of preparation, she competed in the Mutya sang WVPRISAA 2026 pageant alongside the delegates of Capiz and Aklan provinces. Reflecting on the gratitude she has for her support system, Vilvar shared “I would like to acknowledge my amazing team who supported me throughout my preparation for Mutya sang WVPRISAA. They played a huge role in helping me build my confidence, especially in answering questions, carrying myself onstage, and creating the pieces I wore. I’d also like to thank my beautiful family: my mama, who quite literally never left my side; my papa, who sacrifices so much for me; and my kuya, who never fails to make me laugh even when I’m so exhausted.”

Vilvar posing for her graduation creative pictorial (Photo Credits: Amber Creative Photography)

The youngest of the three competing ladies, Vilvar bested the other candidates in her presentations for production number, active wear, long gown, and interview, securing her title as the fourth consecutive winner from Iloilo of the Mutya sang WVPRISAA crown. When asked about one of her most-cherished memories in competing, she reveals, “One of my best memories was right before the Q&A portion! Candidate No. 3 and I were placed in a room backstage, and to keep us from hearing what was happening outside, they played hip-hop music so loudly. So instead of feeling nervous, we ended up vibing in that room. It unexpectedly helped me relax and let go of any negative thoughts before stepping back on stage for the final question. It was a beautiful moment of our bond as candidates and was a reminder for me to stay present and enjoy the experience.”

Now preparing for the next level of the pageant, Vilvar sets her goal in continuing to improve her skill set in order to represent Western Visayas excellently on a national degree. “Since Mutya sang WVPRISAA, I’ve remained consistent with my practices to prepare for the national level, in order to continue my improvements. I’m deeply grateful for my team and support of the people around me. They are my source of strength and motivation. And above all, I hold on to my faith. I continue to ask for the guidance of God to sustain me throughout the next journey,” says Mutya sang WVPRISAA 2026, Elisha Vilvar.

Shortly after winning the crown, Vilvar celebrated another win, graduating Senior High School with Honors on April 15, 2026.