By Krisvimar Nogra
Winning pairs of the Mister and Miss CPU-JHS 2026 with Ms. CPU-JHS 2025 Lian Ayezel Pastolero (third from the left) and Mr. CPU-JHS 2025 Julz Justin Adrian Salarza (third from the right).
The first to host their competition during the upcoming pageant season, the Junior High School (JHS) Department held their Search for Mister and Miss CPU – Junior High School at the Rose Memorial Auditorium on August 3, 2026.
Six (6) pairs showcased their poise and elegance in the Filipiñana-themed contest to crown the next representatives of the Jaguars for the University Pageant on the upcoming University Day celebration. Previously holding their Talent Showcase on July 31, the Coronation saw aspirants compete in several segments.
After an energetic opening production, the vying Jaguars were presented the first set of special awards. Mr. Mckylie Joshua Fullon and Ms. Sophia Bucayan were voted Mr. and Ms. Congeniality, Mr. Francis Glen Hondrade and Ms. Herrah Yuki Quinto were awarded Mr. and Ms. Photogenic, and the Best in Production Number recognition were presented to Mr. Juan Paolo Nisnisan and Ms. Quinto.
The difficult job of selecting winners was entrusted to the panel of judges composed of seasoned Mister and Miss CPU competitors of the past. Ms. CPU-JHS 2017 and Ms. Guimaras 2026 Belle Kate Gatilogo, Mr. CPU 2010 Kevin Mari Francis Cruz, and Miss CPU 2006, Miss Dinagyang 2007, and Miss Western Visayas PRISAA 2010 Dr. Cara Jeanne Sullano-Del Carmen served as judges for the event.
With the Casual Wear, Playsuit, Formal Wear and Evening Gown competitions done, a Preliminary Interview round followed where all contestants and candidates were asked on Filipino and Centralian values. The last set of special awards were presented after, with Pair 6, Mr. Nisnisan and Ms. Quinto sweeping majority of the recognition; Best in Filipino-Inspired Attire, Mr. and Ms. Elegant Walk. Additionally, Ms. Quinto took home Voter’s Choice for the Female Category and the Best Makeup Award with her makeup artist being recognized as the Best Makeup Artist, and Mr. Johann Gabriel Basco secured the Voter’s Choice Award for the Male Category.
Mr. Nisnisan and Ms. Quinto continued their sweep as four out of the five Minor Awards were given to the pair; Best in Casual Wear, Best in Playsuit, Best in Formal Wear and Evening Gown, and Best in Preliminary Interview. Moreover, Mr. Nisnisan was awarded Best in Talent for the Male Category, and Ms. Aakiecia Trasmonte bagged the award for the Female Category.
From six, a cut was made to reveal the top three for both titles. Mr. Nisnisan, Mr. Basco, and Mr. Raine Benedict Tormon were announced finalists and Ms. Bucayan, Ms. Quinto, and Ms. Mikka Ella Barrido secured their spots for the Final Interview.
The farewell walks of Mister and Miss CPU-JHS 2025 followed. Mr. Julz Justin Adrian Salarza and Ms. Lian Ayezel Pastolero once more graced the Junior High School Department as they bid goodbye to their titles and gave inspiration to their successors, looking back at their journey of competing in Mister and Miss CPU in October 2025.
After the intense battle of the Jaguars, the titleholders for 2026 were announced. Johann Gabriel Basco and Mikka Ella Barrido were hailed Mister and Miss Jaguar 2026, the Mister and Miss ProBoard 2026 titles were bestowed to Raine Benedict Tormon and Sophia Bucayan, and Juan Paolo Nisnisan and Herrah Yuki Quinto were crowned Mister and Miss Central Philippine University – Junior High School 2026.