Graphics by Catherina Capili
Four candidates emerged as titleholders of the newly introduced SCUAA and PASUC Culture and the Arts categories at the Mr. & Ms. EVSU 2026 Grand Coronation Night at the Miguel Romualdez Memorial Auditorium on Friday, September 4.
Rey Dolina Regelisa of the School of Arts and Allied Disciplines (SAAD) and Greyzinthe Combis of the School of Technology (SOT) were crowned Mr. & Ms. EVSU SCUAA 2026, respectively, while Keith Jan Rey Montallana of EVSU – Tanauan Campus and Stephanie Dellera of EVSU – Ormoc Campus won Mr. & Ms. EVSU PASUC Culture and the Arts 2026.
The four winners will represent Eastern Visayas State University in the respective State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) and Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) Culture and the Arts competitions.
Eleven candidates from various schools and campuses competed for the titles through a series of segments, including the Talent Presentation, Question-and-Answer (Q&A), Swimwear, and the Evening Gown and Formal Wear competitions.
A golden-themed production number opened the grand coronation night, highlighting the strength, unity and resilience of EVSU students.
In his message, University President Dr. Dennis de Paz reminded the candidates that holding a pageant title carries a responsibility beyond appearance, emphasizing their role as representatives and ambassadors of the university.
“Remember that the true measure of a title is not the crown you wear, but the values you uphold and the influence you create. Being Mr. or Ms. EVSU carries a responsibility beyond appearances. It means becoming an ambassador of the university, someone who embodies excellence, integrity, service, and most importantly—respect,” de Paz said.
During the Q&A portion, Combis described the university’s “One EVSU 2.0” vision as a call toward excellence, resilience and global impact, citing the Level 2 status of the Nutrition and Dietetics program as an example of the university’s progress.
“As our vision goes to be a premier institution in learning in the ASEAN Region by 2040, right now, our program, the Nutrition and Dietetics, is already at Level 2. And that is already a big achievement towards achieving to be a premier institution in the ASEAN Region,” Combis said.
She added that despite the program’s relatively small student population, its achievements reflect its broader purpose within the university.
Meanwhile, Montallana highlighted resilience as a continuing process of learning, growth and overcoming challenges.
“Resiliency means continuously learning, growing, and rising above the challenges. As a student, I believe that resiliency is not just all about achievements, but it is all about using our education and values to serve others,” Montallana said.
Furthermore, Hanz Philip Salinas of the School of Engineering (SOE) and Chrystle Nartea of the School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) were named second runners-up, while Katherine Apolinar of the School of Education (SED) and Christian Salazar of SOT were named first runners-up.
According to Director for Culture and the Arts and pageant head organizer Prof. Jerry Mores, the new selection system was introduced to identify candidates who could best represent EVSU in increasingly competitive regional and national competitions.
“Because now the sports, culture, and the arts are really active from regional to national compared to before. And also, likewise the events in SCUAA. It’s more like on the same level,” Mores said.
He said the new system allows the university to select its strongest representatives for SCUAA and PASUC Culture and the Arts competitions without limiting the selection to the pageant’s overall top candidates.
Mores added that the pageant serves as a preparatory platform for EVSU’s participation in higher-level competitions, where the newly crowned titleholders are expected to represent the university in various activities and engagements.
Article by Carl Anthony Dotingco