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Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Confidently Beautiful: Miss UNO-R 2014




The newly-crowned Miss UNO-R 2014, Peah Angelica Diamante is currently the reigning Lin-ay sang Murcia 2013. Joining this year’s Mister and Miss UNO-R 2014 Pageant was a very challenging experience on her part because there were so many expectations from people around. But she took everything positively with so much faith in God. She believed that her faith in God and the intercessions of the Blessed Virgin Mary greatly contributed a lot in her winning.

Peah, as fondly called by her friends, is a second year Medical Technology student. She confessed that “one thing most people don’t know about our course is that without Medical Technology, many lives wouldn’t have been saved. Medical Technology offers a risky life to the aspirants, yet, a meaningful one knowing that you have been a part of a person’s recovery and somehow, you have alleviated the pain they’re experiencing.”


She considers her family as her life’s inspiration and her parents as her role models.

Let’s get to know Miss 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 Miss UNO-R 2014

Name:  PEAH ANGELICA C. DIAMANTE
Course and Year:  BS medical Technology II
Hometown:  Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Philippines
Age:  18
Religion:  Roman Catholic
Previous Pageant Title/s:  Lin-ay Sang Murcia 2013, Miss Sportsfest 2013
Your Personal Motto: “Nothing worthwhile comes easy.”


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

It feels so unusual walking along the school grounds with lots of people looking at you and others, smiling at you. Since pre-school, I just wanted a normal life in the university.

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

Honestly, no. It was a bit challenging since my competitors were the best ones from their colleges. I was the one with the greatest pressure since I am already a titleholder as Lin-ay sang Murcia 2013 and I have been in this institution since 2000. People had high expectations on me and I'm very happy that somehow, I have met their expectations. God never failed me.


How does it feel being chosen by online judges as one of the Tolentine Missosology Favorites for Miss UNO-R 2014?

It feels great to have been chosen as one of the Tolentine Missosology Favorites for Miss UNO-R 2014 although I wasn't that prepared to answer the written interview.

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

“A Christian life lived with charity and faith is the most effective form of evangelization." The New Evangelization calls each of us to be evangelized, and to go forth to evangelize. It renews our relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church. As a UNO-Rian, I will start my journey toward the new evangelization in the year of the laity by being a role model and worker of God, tasked to spread the Gospel message in understanding salvation by propagating the God's Word to those who haven't encountered it yet, to those who have walked astray, and to those who have a crisis in faith. As a UNO-Rian, imbibed with the Augustinian Recollect and Marian-inspired education, it is also my task to introduce to them as our models of Christian faith, St. Nicholas of Tolentine, St. Ezekiel Moreno, St. Augustine, and Mama Mary.


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

The memories I treasure the most from Mister and Miss UNO-R pageant are the ones I got to spend with my fellow candidates despite the short time we had. The chit-chats, selfies, random dance moves and eating sessions we have dealt with would always remain in my heart.

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

To be honest, I had two best competitors, Ms. Raxel Gonzales and Ms. Angela TaƱoso. Both of them were my good friends. But despite the fact that they were the ones who could have brought home the crown, I just prayed to God to guide me as I give back all that He has given me.

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

I believe that my faith in God and the intercessions I asked from Mama Mary greatly contributed a lot in my winning.


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

The greatest lesson I realized from joining Mister and Miss UNO-R 2014 is that indeed, God favors the humble. My winning also made me realize that the last will be the first, and the first will be the last.

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

In line with this year's University Week theme, as Miss UNO-R, I will spend my entire reign as a model student, daughter and worker of God. As a daughter, I will strive hard to give back the things my parents have given me. As a student, I will inspire my fellow UNO-Rians by showing them that I can manage to excel in both academic and non-academic endeavors. And as a worker of God, imbued with the UNO-R core values and Augustinian Recollect and Marian-inspired education, I will be an instrument in re-awakening the UNO-R community of our faith in God and the attributes of love, peace, joy, that usually go with our Christian conviction and re-vitalizing or re-energizing a weakening faith that has become sickly because of man's inequity.


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

Definitely, not.

What’s next after Miss UNO-R?

After Miss UNO-R, everything gets back to normal, except that now that the UNO-R community has greater expectations on me in terms of my performance in school as well as being an ambassadress of the University, I will do my best to be an epitome of a true Tatak Rekoleto.

Your final message…

PRAYER became my ultimate guide during my entire performance, the EDUCATION UNO-R has imparted me since 2000 enabled me to voice out my thoughts, the ATTITUDE I showed on and off stage exemplified my grace under pressure, and most of all, the HUMILITY my family and friends always prayed that I should posses made me excel. Truly, these things formed PEAH and made her stand out above all.

First of all, I would like to thank the Almighty Father who never failed to bless me despite my imperfections and shortcomings, Mama Mary, for granting me the title, my family, who always inspires me to be at my best at all times, the source of my strength, all my friends who continually supported me and considered me a winner since day 1, my bee, for the unending support you showed since Lin-ay days and of course for the unconditional love, my pre-school, elementary, high school and college teachers who are all coming from UNO-R for always believing in my potentials, to my Titos and Titas coming from different colleges for pushing me to do this, to everyone who helped me like and share my photo here on Facebook, for my team, (hyenaces, MedTech buddies, A, thirteenians, Alpa Kapa Kapa, my cheerleading cousins, aunts and uncles) thank you for making me feel like a winner through your support, to Tita Kim and Tita Chiclet for making me beautiful and for the tips, to Giles, my pair, for listening to me and of course for trusting me, to the MedTech department, especially Ms. Medel, our ever supportive Head and Ms. Czarina for all the tips, my college, the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, especially to our dean, Ms. Shiela, and of course, to our governor, Arvin Tan, for never leaving my side since the first day of our rehearsals despite your busy schedule. I really salute you, Arv. You are indeed a true leader. To my college, once again, thank you for trusting me. I am honored to be a part of the history of our new college. To my fellow candidates, I would also like to thank you all for the friendship and memories you have shared with me despite the short time we had. To everyone who supported me, prayed for me, cheered for me, and most of all to everyone who doubted me, once again, an ocean of thanks. I am overwhelmed to have given justice to my 14 years of being a UNO-Rian. Truly, once a UNO-Rian, always a UNO-Rian. To God be the glory.


A Pre-Pageant Interview…

How would you describe your personality?

I am a positive kind of person. I am not perfect, and I don’t aim to be one. My personality is what makes me unique. I am the type of person who struggles to develop a pleasing personality rather than struggle to enhance my physical attributes. That’s what makes me unique. I struggle to beautify my personality.

Tell us something interesting about your course.

One thing most people don’t know about our course is that without Medical Technology, many lives wouldn’t have been saved. Medical Technology offers a riskful life to the aspirants, yet, a meaningful one knowing that you have been a part of a person’s recovery and somehow, you have alleviated the pain they’re experiencing.

Who or what inspires you the most?

My family inspires me the most. I am a family-oriented type of person and in everything I do, I give my very best all for the glory of God and for my family. I see my parents as my role models and I always strive hard to follow their footsteps.

What is your take on ALS Ice Bucket Challenge?

For me, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge is very beneficial provided that people performing it do such for the benefit of people having ALS and donate money to help them alleviate the pain they’re experiencing. But nowadays, the essence of ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has been lost since several people do such only for fun.

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

We all know that UNO-R is the cradle of excellence. We, UNO-Rians, never settle for mediocrity, yet, we aim for the best. But being the best does not always mean being on top. We have our different ways of being the best. Being the best entails never giving up. That is the essence of being a true-blooded UNO-Rian, coming across a lot of challenges along the way, yet keeps on trying and never gives up.


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

I believe that the pageant’s relevance to the UNO-R academic community is that through it the University will be able to see how far the learnings of the candidates are. In short, we, the candidates learn the theories in our academics, and the pageant is the application of what we’ve learned.


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

If given the chance to win the crown, I will do my best to be a good ambassadress of good will. I will use my title to be a good role model to the studentry. If given the opportunity, as Miss UNO-R, I would like to conduct a medical mission on a monthly basis to ensure the health of everybody and I would also like to adopt the system from UNO-R High School wherein every year level attends the Mass weekly. With this, I could nourish the students physically and spiritually.

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

I’ve been in this prestigious institution for more than half of my life. I’ve also been joining pageants to develop my self-confidence and along the way, I’ve learned to love what I’m doing. Combine these two, I believe that I can convince the judges and audience that I deserve the title, Miss UNO-R.




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

 MISS UNO-R 2014 PHOTO GALLERY 
















Monday, September 29, 2014

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