Simply Handsome: Mister UNO-R 2014

It was not an easy victory for the newly-crowned Mister UNO-R 2014, Mr. Riljun Mayagama. He confessed that he did not expect to win the crown. But he believes that everything is God’s will for him. He said, “I know for myself that I am not so handsome and intelligent. I’m a simple person. But, I want to carry this personality on stage to prove that through God's power and His ultimate will, everything is possible.”

For the record, Riljun is the first Mister UNO-R candidate to be awarded with the Mister Tolentine Missosology sash after being unanimously chosen by thirteen online judges of Tolentine Missosology.

Let’s get to know Mister UNO-R 2014 more with this exclusive post-pageant interview by Tolentine Missosology along with his handsome photos captured by the lens of Tolentine Missosology photographers. 

 

Random Facts about Mister UNO-R 2014

Name:  RILJUN T. MAYAGMA

Course and Year: BS Accountancy IV

Hometown: San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, Philippines

Age:  19

Religion: Seventh - Day Adventist

Previous Pageant Title/s: Mister College of Business and Accountancy 2014

Personal Motto: “All things work together for the good of those who love Him and called for His purpose.”

You’re now an instant campus-celebrity for being chosen as Miss UNO-R 2014. How does it feel?

Being a campus celebrity is not easy for me. It's a complete 180 flip. I used to go in and out of school just like an ordinary student but now everybody's eyes are upon me. I feel shy but I prefer to be myself because I want to tell them that all things are possible as long as it is God's plan for you.

Did you expect to place yourself or win the title during the pageant?

I didn’t expect to win the title during the pageant because I didn’t win any of the minor awards. I only have Mister Tolentine Missosology of which I’m thankful for.

How does it feel being chosen by online judges as Mister Tolentine Missosology UNO-R 2014?

I feel so thankful because they [judges] have chosen me to have this prestigious award. For me, this is the best award during the pageant. I feel so blessed because this is the award that I really want to have. Thank you.

Can you share to us more about your thoughts to the final question, “What would you do as a laity for the New Evangelization?”

Being a laity is the most challenging and effective way of sharing the Gospel to people around me. Being an example myself, possessing Christ-like attributes is hard but through constant connection to God by reading His Word and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in my life will be the most effective way of evangelization.

What memories (challenging and inspiring moments) do you treasure most from Mister and Miss UNO-R 2014 Pageant?

Everything is worth remembering but being myself in front of the audience is the most inspiring moment in the pageant. I know for myself that I am not so handsome and intelligent. I’m a simple person. But, I want to carry this personality on stage to prove that through God's power and His ultimate will, everything is possible. Everyone of us can make a difference if it is God's purpose.

Now, who do you think was your best competitor among the candidates?

My best competitor among the candidates is the Aldwin John M. Hablo from the HS Department. He has a good talent and he can stand out in every part of the pageant. He is humble and exceptional despite his young age. Aldwin is one of the contestants who inspires me.

What do you think greatly contributed a lot in your winning the title?

GOD is main reason why I won the title. Through Him, I gained self confidence because all things are possible through Him. I believe that it is God's plan for me to win the title.

What is that one great lesson/insight you realized from joining the Mister and Miss UNO-R 2014 Pageant?

God has proven me that “All things work together for good to those who love Him and called according to His purpose.”

How will Mister UNO-R 2014 spend his entire reign?

I will work with the SSG in promoting student welfare, becoming a role model, and becoming an advocate for environmental and social causes.

By the way, is Mister UNO-R single and available?

Haha… I have a special someone and she inspires me in everything I do and that includes joining the pageant.

What’s next after Mister UNO-R?

As a graduating student, i will pursue my studies and prepare myself for the Board Exam.

Your final message…

Students of UNO-R, I want to thank you all for supporting me during and after the pageant. I want to tell you that I did not win because of my own efforts only but through the prayers and encouragement of my family, my mentors, classmates, neighbors, and friends. I have nothing in myself to brag about but it is God's will that He brought me to what I am today. I go to school unnoticed. In short, I am a nobody. Letting God work in your lives and being willing to go out in your comfort zones will make a big difference. Everyone of us has a purpose.

Let me quote these lines from my favorite poem It Can Be Done by Douglas Muloch. It goes this way,

"If you can’t be pine on the top of the hill, be a shrub in the valley but be the best little shrub on the side of the hill. Be a bush if you can’t be a tree. We can't all be captains then we've got to be crew. There's something for all of us here. There us big work to do and there is lesser to do. The task that we must do is the near. If you can’t be a highway then just be a trail. If you can’t be the sun, be a star. It isn’t by size that we win or we fail. Be the best of whatever you are."

Friends, be yourself. God has a unique purpose for all of us.

A Pre-Pageant Interview…

 

How would you describe your personality?

I am a very simple man. This is because I am contented and satisfied by what I have and what I am today for I believe God is in control of my life. Making other people happy by sharing what I have whether through my talent, humor, and the story of how God influenced my life is my passion. I prefer to be humble at all times and appreciate those people whose character is worth emulating.

Tell us something interesting about your course.

 Accountancy is a noble profession. The main purpose of being an accountant is to protect the interest of businessmen and to provide information to the public. Without accountants, the world of business will be in danger from the self-interest of some employees or employers. If business fails, other professions like engineering, nursing and even the government will collapse. Pork barrel scam, a governmental fraud is investigated by our course for the welfare of the society.

Who or what inspires you the most?

My great love towards my family is what inspires me the most. I studied at UNO-R which is a long way from home because I want to finish college and help my younger brothers finish their studies. Oftentimes, I feel lonely because I miss my family but this is also the same motivating factor to pursue my studies despite of hardships.

What is your take on ALS Ice Bucket Challenge?

The essence of this challenge is to better understand the situation of people suffering from ALS. I have already experienced bathing iced water and I know the feeling of a “numbed-brain.” For me, if I will support the cause of this challenge, I will do it in a secret way. No need to be video-recorded to impress spectators. If we help, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.

 What do you think is the essence of a true-blooded UNO-Rian?

The essence of the true-blooded UNO-Rian is the passion for excellence, that is, excellence in studies, in the workplace, in the community, and a God-fearing life. UNO-Rian values is not limited only within the campus but being a true-blooded UNO-Rian means a lifetime commitment to social welfare and devotion to God.

What do you think is the relevance of the pageant to UNO-R academic community?

The relevance of the pageant to UNO-R academic community is that it serves as a training ground to future models and exemplars of excellence possessing UNO-Rian values. It is also a beacon of hope to all students when they realize that like the candidates, they can make a big difference when they go out from their comfort zones.

If you win the crown, how will you use your title to benefit the studentry and the University?

If I win the crown, I will promote student empowerment by working with SSG in developing activities that will make the youth more productive like having a singing club, dance club, musical instruments club, debate club. These activities will give the students another option/s instead of being addicted to drugs, liquor and computer games.

How would you convince the judges and the audience that you deserve the title,  Mister UNO-R 2014?

Convincing the judges and the audience is not easy. But for me, being confident of yourself is the key. I was chosen to represent the College of Business and Accountancy for the pageant because they believed in me and now is the time that I have to believe also in myself. If god wants me to win, then let it be. if not, then learn from my experience and be thankful.

 MISTER UNO-R 2014 PHOTO GALLERY

Photo Credits © Joselito Labrador, Jr., RJ Amparo and Ricky Noel N. Diancin Jr. for Tolentine Missosology

Confidently Beautiful: Meet Miss UNO-R 2014