'NORSU Reigns!'

Just as all hope was lost that the beauty pageants in these parts would sail into the doldrums, the annual Mr. and Miss NORSU (Negros Oriental State University) beauty and brains extravaganza came to the rescue. It was really "poor pickins" in the beauty pageant harvest this year, most rated from poor to pathetic! But "lo and behold" colossal educator and university administrator NORSU's Dr. Henry Sojor and the entire gigantic pedagogic family, in honor of their Founder's Day, put up a show worthy of glowing reviews. This year's theme, "Continuity, Credibility, Consistency" simply said it all. Yes, "Continuity", the traditional pageant will always be a highlight of the annual festivity, a saga the community as a whole looks forward to. "Credibility" "'cause the winners as a whole are always "worth their weight in gold" as far as esthetics is concerned. Their panel of judges is always carefully chosen for their savoir-faire. "Consistency", "mais oui" their production is time and again first rate.

This year had thirteen attractive pairs from the different colleges and campuses of the State University family competing for the most coveted title on a stage embellished and decorated in an eye-catching manner. Energetic dancing opened the gala with the contestants in guerrilla chic doing urban glitz production numbers. Introductions were done crisp and clear. Figure hugging black swimsuits displayed epicurean svelte feminine figures and masculine muscular torsos that was definitely eye candy. My eyeball got a sudden diabetic shock! White, silver or beige formal wear tended to range from the glamorous to the kitsch and the interview portion gets better with age.

Long story short, the distinguished panel of judges chaired by Binibining Pilipinas International May-Anne Bayot and impresario humorous Arnie Tan hit the bull's-eye with their choices of winners. From the College of Business Administration, handsome Mark Anthony Prestin and future Mechanical Engineer absolutely gorgeous Grace de Gracia were the night's victors followed by College of Arts & Science tall patrician looking Levie Laxina and future educator sultry Katrina Yaco. CEA's eloquent John Jumilla and the sweet heart of the Bais campus equally beautiful Mona Lisa Aboy came in third.

Kudos go to the director and choreographer with "know-how Carlou Bernaldez, head honchos of the committee Rizza Aglobo and James Sojor and all the unsung heroes backstage, of course inspired by the exquisite good taste of Dr. Sojor for a show well done. I guess the best is always saved for the last…definitely Oscar quality! Brave NORSU, you guys still reign!.....................NOUS!*