• ROGER D. BELTRAN
In line with this year’s theme celebrating the gods and goddesses of the sea, the stage is set for a pageant that promises a true testament to elegance and grace – the crowning of Mr. and Miss VMA of the VMA Global College and Training Centers in Brgy. Sum-ag, Bacolod City.
The candidates are Vincent Bullor, 19, and Zevah Mae Metoda, 19, from the “House Tritons” representing Deck 2; Razak Lopez, 19, and Kherstine Mahinay, 19, “House Nereus” (Deck 1); Joshua Dale Tamayo, 19, and Martinna Elissabette Lopez, 18, “House Thaumas” (Engine); Dominic Gabo, 21, and Sillyn Ysabelle Valente, 19, “House Palaemon Titans” (Deck 3); Philip Loius Pacheco, 22, and Carlin Jean Villanueva, 20, “House Oceanus” (College of Hospitality and Business Management); and Marco Antonio Padilla, 17, and Jane Lee Montales, 17, from the “House Proteus Defenders”, representing the High School Department.
The excitement kicks off with a pre-pageant activity on Oct. 9, from 3 p.m., at the Gaisano Grand Central Bacolod. It will feature a talent competition, and a sports attire presentation, with winners of corporate awards to be named.
Renowned MassKara choreographer and costume designer Jesus Segundo “Panoy” Cabalcar, Mr. Body and Looks Philippines 2022 Jhon Miles Peodina, and transgender beauty queen Angelicka Tupas are the pre-pageant judges.
The grand coronation night will be on Oct. 10, starting at 7 p.m., at the VMA RSB Gymnasium, with reigning Mr. and Miss VMA, Lloyd Wel Anzures and Cristine Joy Baylon, expected to crown their successors.
The six male and six female candidates will vie for coveted titles and the opportunity to become the ambassadors and ambassadresses of VMA Global College.
Awards at stake are Mr. and Miss Congeniality, Mr. and Miss Photogenic, Best in Festival Attire, Best in Talent, Best in Sports Attire, Best in Swimwear, and Best in Formal Wear.
The candidates underwent rigorous preparations, including a pre-pageant photoshoot styled by CHBM Dean Edwin Benitez and lensed by Khalil Gib Alanza Estraño.
They also participated in a question-and-answer workshop with Arnilo Laud and Mayrold John Alonsagay, received personality development training from Jelliane Rose Dinorog-Villacuatro of the PowerHouse School of Talents, and honed their runway skills with Jacqueline Almogen’s “Pasarela” as coach.
Meanwhile, the candidates participated in a coastal cleanup and mangrove planting event Oct. 6 at Romahan Beach in Brgy. Punta Taytay, Bacolod City.*
