Graphics by Catherina Capili
Serving poise and elegance, Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) candidates Markus Gabriel Deluta and Krisha Kyle Cabidog capped their Mr. and Ms. State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association Region VIII (SCUAA-8) 2026 journey as first and fourth runners-up, respectively, during the Grand Coronation Night held at the LNU HRDC Alba Hall on Thursday, April 23.
Featuring 11 pairs of candidates from State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) across Eastern Visayas, the pageant unfolded through a series of segments—production number, sportswear, swimwear, and formal attire—each designed to highlight the contenders’ confidence, stage presence, and overall appeal.
With refined movements, the EVSU pair first took the stage in the production number, followed by their taekwondo-inspired sportswear, sleek black swimwear, and silver-and-black formal wear ensemble that emphasized both elegance and structure.
During the special awards segment, Deluta secured two recognitions, namely Mr. Photogenic and Mr. OBEI.
He also earned Best in Formal Wear, while both representatives bagged the Best in Sportswear award in the minor awards segment of the coronation night.
Moreover, the EVSU pair advanced to the Top 5, earning the opportunity to compete in the question-and-answer segment, bringing them closer to the crown.
In the Q&A portion, Deluta emphasized that sports go beyond competition, describing them as a platform that fosters unity among people from diverse cultures, beliefs, and norms across Region VIII.
“I believe that sports isn’t just a competition but rather a platform where we unite—not just every single person, but people from different cultures, beliefs, and norms throughout the entire Region VIII,” Deluta said.
In an interview with The Industrial Wheel, he shared that despite stepping in as a replacement to represent EVSU on stage and having limited preparation, he remained committed and disciplined in working his way toward securing the first runner-up spot in the pageant.
“I’m grateful. Despite the lack of preparation—kay siyempre replacement man la ako—I did my best, so here’s the result,” he shared.
Meanwhile, Cabidog, who finished as Ms. SCUAA-8 fourth runner-up, expressed gratitude for being given the opportunity to represent EVSU for the second time on the pageant stage.
“I am happy and grateful na natapod pa rin it EVSU sa akon to represent our university,” she expressed.
Furthermore, the Grand Coronation Night concluded with Rudolph Ethan Tolitol of the University of Eastern Philippines (UEP) being crowned Mr. SCUAA-8 2026, alongside Ma. Niña Atienza of Leyte Normal University (LNU), who was named Ms. SCUAA-8 2026.
Article by Nicole Cheyne Formenterra