by Krisvimar Nogra

Jay Andrei Bilbao and Noreen Josette Gazo are hailed as Mr. and Ms. Nursing 2026 (Photo Credits: Alexie Gelvezon of Nurses’ Notes Publication)

The first nursing school in the Philippines has long established itself as a force in the Mr. and Ms. CPU Pageant. With last year’s pair Mr. Kyle Albert Josue and Ms. Greecia Joy Estrella both qualifying for the final stretch of the competition, and Ms. Estrella winning the title of Ms. CPU Republic 2026, the CPU College of Nursing looks forward to establishing a streak.

On August 15, 2026, at the CPU Loreto D. Tupaz Grounds, the CPU College of Nursing Student Council mounted their search for the next representatives of the Nightingales for the university pageant. Beginning with an energetic production number where the sixteen (16) aspirants were showcased, the event introduced a panel of judges composed of Ms. Kirsten Marie Bosque, Mr. Anthony Alor, Mr. Jemar Coscolluela Alerta, Mr. Ralph Lauren Figureoa, headed by chief judge Ms. Zestah Shalom Espinosa.

The casual wear competition sought to see the eight (8) pairs to sport fashion by judge Anthony Alor. After strutting the runway in their metallic looks, the presentation of the special awards followed. Mr. Fritz Bryele Souribio of Batch Aurethia and Ms. Noreen Josette Gazo of Batch Amaryllis were voted in by their fellow Nightingales as the most congenial pair. The recognition for capturing the best photos were granted to Batch Virelia’s Jay Andrei Bilbao and Batch Aurethia’s Ruela Grace Remegio. People’s Choice Awards were given to Mr. Bilbao and Ms. Luz Nhiane Labestre of Batch Virelia.

The competition continued to heat up as the Formal Wear competition started. The nursing advocacy was highlighted in the preliminary question and answer portion where all contestants and candidates were given the chance to speak. The minor awards were unveiled after.

Batch Amaryllis’ Ms. Gazo and Batch Virelia’s Mr. Bilbao won the Best in Formal Wear awards. Mr. Bilbao and Ms. Milrose Amp Guay of Batch Amaryllis swept both awards for Best in Casual Wear and Best in Production Number. Jann Dwayne Alapa of Batch Amaryllis and Artha Camille Tanagon of Batch Virelia took home the Best in Talent citation. The Best in Preliminary Interview awards were given to Mr. Souribio and Ms. Mary Abigail Tan of Batch Amaryllis.

The top three aspirants were announced shortly after the minor awards were declared. Mr. Jay Benedict Garvilles of Batch Virelia, Mr. Jann Dwaynne Alapa of Batch Amaryllis, and Mr. Jay Andrei Bilbao of Batch Virelia secured their spots, while for the female category, Batch Amaryllis’ Ms. Milrose Amp Guay, Ms. Noreen Josette Gazo, and Batch Aurethia’s Syhara Jayden Gabasa were announced finalists.

The final interview situated finalists to answer the same questions to determine who would win the coveted crowns for this year. Before the disclosure of their final placements, the reigning Mr. and Ms. Nursing 2025 were highlighted as they gave their thanks to everyone that has supported their journey. Mr. Josue, who’s based in the USA shared his heartfelt message through a video presentation, and Ms. Estrella graced the stage after sharing her gratitude through a video.

By the end of the night, Mr. Jay Benedict Garvilles of Batch Virelia and Ms. Milrose Amp Guay of Batch Amaryllis finished with Second Runner Up placements, Batch Amaryllis’ Mr. Jann Dwaynne Alapa and Batch Aurethia’s Ms. Syhara Jayden Gabasa finished their journeys as First Runners Up, and the new Mr. and Ms. Nursing 2026 were Mr. Jay Andrei Bilbao of Batch Virelia and Ms. Noreen Josette Gazo of Batch Amaryllis.

For event chairperson CPU CONSC Board Member Ronan Bacnan, the event was more than just a pageant, but an avenue to provide aspiring Nightingales the platform to spotlight their talents and capabilities. “Mr. and Ms. Nursing 2026 is an avenue where we could provide our very own Nightingales a platform where they can shine their brightest, beyond clinical duties, and white uniforms, I believed that Nightingales [have] their inner stars, our one and only job was to bring them out, and we did, we have ignited legacy and has continued the excellence, from healthcare, to pageantry,” BM Bacnan expressed.