March 4, 2026 – Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) buzzed with excitement as various faculties and campuses gathered at the Multipurpose Court of the SLSU Main Campus for the much-anticipated search for Mister and Miss SLSU 2026. The event celebrated eloquence, confidence, and school pride as candidates proudly represented their respective units in a night filled with talent, glamour, and friendly competition. Presiding over the event were distinguished judges Mr. Mc Arron Tecson, Mr. Byan Patawi, Ms. Marvin C. Yepes, Ms. Jing Villanueva, and Atty. Mary Chantel A. Tolibas, who carefully evaluated each contestant throughout the competition.

The program opened with a captivating introduction that energized the audience and set the tone for the evening. Spectators were entertained by lively intermission numbers before the candidates took the stage for the highly anticipated production number, where each contestant showcased creativity, teamwork, and stage presence. The excitement continued during the swimsuit attire segment, where participants confidently displayed charisma and poise while representing their respective faculties and campuses. Among the units represented were the Faculty of Education, Technology, and Innovation; Faculty of Criminal Justice; Faculty of Computer and Information Sciences; Faculty of Engineering; Faculty of Industrial and Technology Sciences; Faculty of Hospitality, Tourism, and Management; Faculty of Arts and Sciences; as well as the campuses of San Juan, Bontoc, Maasin City, Hinunangan, and Tomas Oppus.

Special awards were presented throughout the evening. The Mister Eloquence title was awarded to Jerome Zchieve from the Faculty of Engineering, and Miss Eloquence was claimed by Ms. Princess Cielo Ramiso from the San Juan Campus. The Mister Photogenic award went to Mister. Romel H. Pitong from the Bontoc Campus, and Miss Photogenic was awarded to Ms. Lourine Caadyang from the Tomas Oppus Campus. The audience also participated in recognizing their favorites through the People’s Choice Awards, which were won by Mister. Trian Troy T. Cabe from the San Juan Campus and Ms. Princess Cielo P. Ramiso from also the San Juan Campus. Additionally, the Mister Congeniality award was given to Mister. Reuben D. Asencion Jr. from the  Faculty of Arts and Sciences, and Miss Congeniality was given to Ms. Jovanah Daguplo from the Hinunangan Campus, recognizing the candidates who displayed friendliness and camaraderie throughout the competition.

Several special awards were presented to recognize outstanding performances during the competition. The Best in Talent awards were given to Mr. Adrian N. Toyogon of Maasin City Campus and Ms. Samantha Pulan of the Faculty of Criminal Justice for their impressive talent presentations that captivated the judges and the audience. In the Best in Production Number category, Mr. Stanley Jose Golo of the Faculty of Criminal Justice and Ms. Jovanah Daguplo of Hinunangan Campus were recognized for their dynamic and engaging stage performances. Meanwhile, the Best in Swimwear awards were given to Mr. Stanley Jose Golo of the Faculty of Criminal Justice and Ms. Lourine Caadyang of Tomas Oppus Campus, who demonstrated confidence and strong stage presence during the segment.

As the event progressed, candidates also impressed the judges during the formal wear segment, showcasing elegance, confidence, and grace on stage. The competition grew more intense as the organizers announced the Top 5 finalists. In the male category, the finalists were Mr. Stanley Jose Golo from the Faculty of Criminal Justice, Mr. Jerome Zchieve Nobleza Faculty of Engineering, Mr. Adrian Toyogon from the Maasin City Campus, Mr. Alfie Perez from the Faculty of Industrial and Technology Sciences, and Mr. Alfred Sean Marasigan from the Tomas Oppus Campus. In the female category, the finalists were Ms. Venus Ryckah Mestiola from the Faculty Engineering, Ms. Princess Cielo Ramiso from the San Juan Campus, Ms. Nesa Salazar from the Faculty of Hospitality, Tourism, and Management, Ms. Jovanah Daguplo from the Hinunangan Campus, and Ms. Lourine Caadyang from Tomas Oppus Campus.

The finalists then advanced to the highly anticipated Final Question and Answer portion, where they demonstrated confidence, intelligence, and the ability to express meaningful insights on relevant topics. After careful deliberation by the board of judges, the winners were finally proclaimed. The 3rd Runner-Up titles were awarded to Mr. Alfred Sean Marasigan from the Tomas Oppus Campus and Ms. Jovanah Daguplo from the Hinunangan Campus, while the 2nd Runner-Up titles were given to Mr. Alfie Perez from the Faculty of Industrial and Technology Sciences and Ms. Nesa Salazar from the Faculty of Hospitality, Tourism, and Management. The 1st Runner-Up title went to Mr. Adrian Toyogon from the Maasin City Campus and Ms. Lourine Caadyang from Tomas Oppus Campus.

Special recognition was also given to Mr. Jerome Zchieve Nobleza and Ms. Venus Ryckah Mestiola RCAF 2026, both representing the Faculty of Engineering. The most awaited moment of the evening came as Mr. Stanley Jose Golo from the Faculty of Criminal Justice and Ms. Princess Cielo Ramiso from the San Juan Campus was officially crowned as Mr. and Ms. SLSU SCUAA 2026, earning the honor of representing the university in upcoming athletic and university events. The coronation marked a memorable celebration of confidence, talent, and unity among the different faculties and campuses of Southern Leyte State University, leaving the audience inspired and proud of the remarkable students who took part in the competition.

(via Syrel Vega| Pulse)