Gaces, Iglesia clinches Mr. & Ms. SLSU 2025 title

Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) officially crowned Mr. Khir Gaces, representing the Faculty of Criminal Justice (FCJ), and Ms. Ysabella Iglesia, from the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management (FHTM), as the newest title bearers of Mr. and Ms. Southern Leyte State U 2025 during the Coronation Night on Wednesday night, March 5, held at the Multi-Purpose Court (MPC).

The pageant consisted of 11 pairs across the six campuses of SLSU who had undergone a series of competitions, testing their charisma, poise, grace, confidence, and wit to the limit. The candidates stormed the stage in the production number, swimsuit, and formal wear competition.

After all the candidates finished the preliminary Q&A portion, the numbers decreased as the top 5 finalists, both in the men and women categories, were announced. Before the final Q and A began, the awarding of the minor and special awards began.

Here is the list of the candidates who received the award:
Mr. and Ms.SkeenLife - Mr. Khir Gaces (FCJ) and Ms. Karyl Gesto (Bontoc Campus)
Mr. and Ms.Eloquence - Mr. Khir Gaces (FCJ) and Ms. Leanne Gabrielle Villaruel (FAS, FOT)
Mr. and Ms.Photogenic - Mr. Jenico Obado (Bontoc Campus) and Ms. Jamaica Eliza Maturan (Tomas Oppus Campus)
Mr. and Ms. Congeniality - Mr. Syriel Nino Alajas (FTVE) and Ms. Mhay Dianne Villariaza (Hinunangan Campus)
Mr. and Ms. People Choice Award - Mr. Rey Anthony Behare (San Juan Campus) and Ms. Mary Ann Napuli (San Juan Campus)
Best In Talent - Mr. Edrian Anunciado (FOE) and Ms. Mary Ann Napuli (San Juan Campus)
Best In Production Number - Mr. Khir Gaces (FCJ) and Ms. Jane Darlene Basa (FCJ)
Best In Swimwear - Mr. Edrian Anunciado (FOE) and Ms. Mariecar Merca (FOE)
Best In Formal Attire - Mr. Jenico Obado (Bontoc Campus) and Ms. Mariecar Merca (FOE)
As the anticipation built up, the top 5 finalists were asked the same question on how they could apply the newly launched theme of SLSU, LUPAD or FLY (in English translation), in both academics and the community.

During his turn, here is Mr. Khir Gaces' winning answer: "I think one of the best way[s] for me to encourage everyone is to provide programs especially [on] personality development because I believed that once you have this APR, or what we called Absolute Personal Responsibility [ies], there are bigger chance(s) that we can be a successful person in this life and also represents us to become excellent in our life. So, in this way, we can contribute to the community and, at the same time, we can contribute to the development of Southern Leyte State University.”

"We are with the theme LUPAD, which in my context as a student, if we look at the bird they will fly together and if we relate it to us humans, we should do the same. I believe[d] that there's always unity and diversity, and we should not let our differences hinder us to become one," Ms. Ysabella Iglesia answered.

The first to fourth runners-up are as follows:

1st runners-up: Mr. John Cole Anton Vargas (FAS, FoT) and Ms. Mariecar Merca (FoE)
2nd runners-up: Mr. Rexcel Lipio (FHTM) and Ms. Jane Darlene Basa (FCJ)
3rd runners- up: Mr. Edrian Anunciado (FoE) and Ms. Jamaica Eliza Maturan (Tomas Oppus Campus)
4th runners-up: Mr. Shawn Gunther Esguerra (Tomas Oppus Campus) and Ms. Mhay Dianne Villariaza (Hinunangan Campus)

Aljon Mendoza made a special appearance as the celebrity guest of the coronation night, serenading the crowd with his unique charm and brightening the intense atmosphere of the competition.

Part of the board of judges were Emasor I.D. Key R. Banaybanay – Mr. Philippine Youth Tourism 2014 and Mr. Face of the Philippines 2015; Dr. Marie Khul C. Langub – Vice President for Student and Auxiliary Services; Ian Manuel G. Mercado – President, Nomerco Holdings Incorporated; Linel Royo Martinez – Ms. SUC 8 2024; and Prof. Dr. Don Elisio Lucero Prisno III – Global Scientist & World Traveler.