Losing on the first attempt does not discourage the winners.
This is what Ryan Joshua Ligon and Ma. Claire Dungon proved as they were hailed Mr. and Miss SSU 2018 on October 15 in their second time of joining.
Ligon, the male representative of College of Nursing and Health Sciences, already had experiences in joining pageants, not just in Samar State University, but also in Catbalogan City. He gained recognition in 2016 when he was crowned as 2nd runner-up in the same contest. Now, for his second time, he finally got the win.
He said that being crowned as Mr. SSU was a big responsibility but he was looking forward to a productive-self this year, especially that he is an officer of the University Student Council. He said that he would like to use this opportunity to become a role model to students, an advocate of goodwill, and a follower of the core values of the University.
Other than the title, he also won the Best in Production Outfit, Best in Manaragat Festival Costume, and Best in Philippine Terno at Barong Tagalog awards.
Meanwhile, Dungon, the female representative of College of Education, also joined the pageant in 2016 but only won 1st runner-up. This year, she finally outshined her competitors with a greater confidence.
“Joining Ms. SSU for the second time made me really pressured. But thanks to the people who believed in my capabilities and never gave up believing in me despite of my weaknesses, for because of them, I felt motivated and blessed,” Dungon said.
Dungon also shared that her best preparation for the contest was always praying to God to conquer the fear she had in her heart.
Aside from the crown, Dungon was also given the Best in Production Outfit, Best in Manaragat Festival, Best in Swimwear, Miss Photogenic, and the Best in Philippine Terno at Barong Tagalog awards.
Other than the recognitions she received, Dungon was also able to keep the title for COEd. Ms. SSU 2017, Marianne Cabarles, said that she saw Dungon’s journey and that the latter did more of her best now.
“I am much thankful that the crown still belongs to COEd,” Cabarles said.
Other winners were Cristelle Xian Orbeta as Miss SSU 1st runner-up, Jerson Lapura as Mr. SSU 1st runner-up, Ma. Cherry Mae Martinez as Miss SSU 2nd runner-up, and Warren Prudenciado as Mr. SSU 2nd runner-up.
Held at the University Gymnasium, the pageant was part of this year’s Palaro with the theme, “One Sport. One Cultural Identity. One University.”