By Krisvimar Nogra

Winning pairs of the Mr. and Ms. CPU SHS 2026 with CPU SHSSC Governor, Judges, and Mr. & Ms. CPU SHS 2025 (Photo Credits: Cristalle Gascon).

An afternoon jam-packed for Centralian Steelhawks, the Mister and Miss CPU Senior High School pageant had six (6) pairs compete to become the new representatives of the department in the upcoming search for Mister and Miss Central Philippine University 2026.

The stage, adorned with flowers for days, introduced a panel of established figures in local pageantry after the preliminaries. Mr. CPU – School of Graduate Studies 2018 Luke Transporto, D’Empire Beauty Camp Co-Founder Eiyz Mallick Sales, Ms. Guimaras 2026 Belle Kate Gatilogo, Miss Universe Philippines – Iloilo City 2026 Zestah Shalom Espinosa served as the selection committee, headed by chief judge renowned Ilonggo designer Alfie Desamparado.

After a dazzling production number, the casual wear competition commenced. Intermission numbers took place in between segments, and the playsuit showdown followed after the first portion of the event. Adding another layer to the contest, the contestants and candidates soon participated in the talent showcase. The final segment of the walking categories followed after another intermission number, the evening wear competition.

To give rest to the aspirants, the reigning Mr. and Ms. CPU-SHS 2025 pair soon graced the Steelhawks with their final walks. Mr. CPU 2025 4th Runner-up Sean Ethan Sotto and Ms. CPU University Day 2025, Mutya ng ILOPRISAA 2026, Mutya sang WVPRISAA 2026, and Mutya ng PRISAA 2nd Runner-up Elisha Caramel Vilvar stepped onto the stage one last time as current king and queen.

The announcement of minor and special awards commenced starting with the People’s Choice Award, given to Mr. Jahaziel Jeiel Cantel and Ms. Theresa Marie Brillantes, both from the STEM Republic. Mr. John Patrick Hilapad of the ABM Republic and Ms. Ly Angel Demavivas of the STEM Republic bagged the Mister and Miss Photogenic award. HUMSS Republic’s Mr. Joseph Sualibios Jr. and Ms. Ma. Alessandra Kyle Orpeza were recognized as this year’s Mr. and Ms. Congeniality, voted by their fellow competitors. Mr. Cantel and Ms. Brilliantes then stepped upfront for the Best in Production Number awards.

The awarding for the pasarela categories followed with Mr. Ralph John Quimson of the ABM Republic and Ms. Brillantes, being awarded as top scorers for the Playsuit round. Pair No. 1, Mr. Cantel and Ms. Brillantes both added wins under their belts as they claimed Best in Casual Wear and Best in Evening Wear. ABM Republic’s Mr. Quimson and Ms. Shenna Myls Piedad were awarded Best in Interview for their performances during the closed-door interview screening. Pair No. 4, Mr. Hilapad and Ms. Scinny Aneka Solejon of the ABM Republic claimed the Best in Talent awards.

After the partial awarding, the reveal for the top three contestants and candidates followed. Mr. Quimson, Mr. Hilapad, both representing ABM Republic, and Mr. Cantel of the STEM Republic secured their spots for the finals, while STEM Republic’s Ms. Brillantes, ABM Republic’s Ms. Piedad and Ms. Solejon were announced as the top three finalists for the female category.

The final interview commenced with each Steelhawk picking a judge to ask them a question. After the arduous process, the six finalists were given their titles. ABM Republic’s Mr. John Patrick Hilapad and Ms. Scinny Aneka Solejon were named Mister and Miss Steelhawks 2026. Mr. Ralph John Quimson of the ABM Republic and Ms. Theresa Marie Brillantes of the STEM Republic were announced Mr. and Ms. ProBoard. The coveted Mister and Miss CPU Senior High School crowns were placed upon the heads of STEM Republic’s Mr. Jahaziel Jeiel Cantel and ABM Republic’s Ms. Shenna Myls Piedad.

For CPU Senior High School Student Council Governor and Mr. and Ms. CPU SHS Event Chairperson Ma. Theresa Magbanua, the pageant wouldn’t have been successful without the help of every Steelhawk. Emphasizing that the committee had less than a month to prepare, she shares that “this experience reminded me that no event is ever made successful by one person alone. Behind every successful stage is a team of people choosing to persevere, serve, and believe in the same vision.”