Mr., Ms., SSU 2024: CoNHS-CoEd tandem strikes again

Fine. Fit. Fierce.

Overcoming 12 other candidates, these are the qualities embodied by the newly crowned Mister and Miss Samar State University (SSU) 2024, Franco Nube and Christel Joy Nacario, at the recently concluded pageant during the SSU Palaro 2024, held on Monday, October 21, at the SSU Gymnasium Façade.

Nube, a third-year Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy student, proudly represented Unit VII – College of Nursing and Health Sciences (CoNHS), while Nacario, a second-year BSEd – Science major confidently strutted for Unit IV – College of Education (CoEd), mirroring last year’s victory for CoNHS’ and CoEd’s male and female delegates, respectively.

In their final showcase of wit and charisma, Nube, Nacario, and the other finalists were asked how they could accelerate internationalization through sports, considering the university’s inclusion in recent global rankings such as the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) and the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings.

Additionally, Danrenz Belardo and Jessa Tamor of Unit III – College of Engineering (CoEng’g) were sashed as first runners-up, while Arvin De Luna of Unit IV – College of Education (CoEd) and Ma. CJ Plumentera of Unit II – College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) secured second runner-up positions.

Special awards, including Best in Sportswear and Best in Talent, were also presented, with Nacario and Laurence Hernandez of Unit I – College of Industrial Technology (CIT) winning the former, and Tamor and Luciano Mate III of Unit II – College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) taking the latter.

This year’s pageant marked the first competition of SSU Palaro after a five-year halt, and the winners, Nube and Nacario, are set to represent the university in the Mr. and Ms. SCUAA 2024 at the 38th Regional State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) Meet, to be held at Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) this December.