SLSU - Tomas Oppus: The Dawn of Panagtigi 2023
Four contending teams compete for one trophy, set to change the play and ready to dominate the game.
A brand-new name and a whole new look for high school and college students to experience. It was a day filled with zest and high spirits as the start of the Panagtigi 2023 of Southern Leyte State University Tomas Oppus campus finally arrived!
Even before the rays peeked into the vast sky, on September 18, 2023, at 4 AM, the biggest sports event on the campus commenced with a Fun Run with varied colors thrown at them. The students were already gearing up to win that cash prize and to start their day filled with colors before competing with the other teams. After the fun run, they also did Zumba for stretching and exercise.
Before the official start of the Panagtigi 2023, the solidarity meeting took place at the SLSU-TO covered court to decide the assignment of teams for the different competing events and sports through the random selection process. Their respective tournament organizers also disseminated The regulations and guidelines for the sports competitions.
The following events in the afternoon were the highlight of the day. Every student from different teams gathered at the SLSU-TO covered court to witness the program's opening. The program's host was Mr. Joshua Orais, the former SSC president and a 4th-year science student. The CPAG Choral filled the court with golden voices as they started the event by singing the prayer and our national anthem. OSAS Head, Dr. Pritzel Lee Capili, also went to the stage to give her welcome address and shared some insights about the true essence of competing. Students seemed to liven up as screams and cheers echoed loudly, covering the whole court when Mr. King Valds Anthony Berame announced the four contending teams: the Azure Dragons, Blazing Biz, iTitans, and the Valiant Sabertooth. The fiery spirit within them to win was ignited. The blaring screams revealed they were ready to devour and bring home the trophy.
After the raising of the banner by the general athletics managers and their advisers, the lighting of the urn followed to signify the friendship and sportsmanship of the teams by our Regional players of SLSU: Viennah Lyka Papa, Crystal Espere, Kristian Joy Garrote, and Andelene Suarez. After the urn was lit, the teams did the Oath of Amateurism. Dr. Constantino Medilo, the campus director, officially declared the opening of the intramural meet and ended the opening program.
It was now the most anticipated event for the students. The answer on who will be the Mr. and Ms. Panagtigi 2023 will soon be revealed. The event started with the introduction of the judges, starting with Mr. Erwin Thomas Lim, a Ginoong Sayaw runner-up and Mr. VSU 2019; Mrs. Tracy Ann Liew, Miss Indiana Aerospace University 1999 and Miss Southern Leyte 1st runner-up 1999; and the CEO of Skeen Life, Mr. Marvin Yepes.
The energy level heightened when the Bidlisiw Dance Troupe appeared on stage. Cheers and shrieks were heard all over the place as the candidates entered dressed in their production number embellished with poise and confidence. The Mr. and Ms. Panagtigi 2023 was hosted by Dr. Sybill Ledesma, who announced the special awards after the presentation of the candidates on stage. Ms. Alyeusha Gamale from the Azure Dragons brought home all the awards. In contrast, the popularity award from the male category was given to Mr. Johan Misoles from the Blazing Biz, Mr. Photogenic, and Mr. Congeniality was handed to Mr. Kent Perales from the Valiant Sabertooth. Mr. Skeen Life and Mr. Kumahig Dental Clinic were brought home by Mr. Anton Arquiza from the Azure Dragons.
Two performers from CPAG Choral belted the song "Let's get Physical" as the contestants walked on stage clad in their sportswear attire. The crowd let out their booming cheers as the candidates introduced their selves. Mr. Kent Perales and Mr. Khrystel Shayne Amarelle from Valiant Sabertooth, hailing from the Blazing Biz are Mr. Johan Misoles and Ms. Christine Claire Lacierda, Azure Dragons are Mr. Anton Arquiza and Ms. Alyeusha Gamale, and we have Mr. Jilbert Bation and Ms. Ivy Grace Bisnar from iTitans.
After strutting in their sporty outfits, the candidates had the spotlight on each one of them as they gave a speech that featured their advocacies. The mood shifted, and the cheers and screams toned down as Mr. Jon Ong from Laboratory High School serenaded as the female candidates sauntered across the stage, flaunting their glamorous modern-style Filipiniana gowns. Ms. Nikki Tagbak was next to take over the stage as the male candidates showed off their modern Barong Tagalog.
After the candidates displayed their brilliance and wit in answering the Question and Answer, it was nerve-wracking as the announcement of winners was now the next part of the event. All the students had their bets on who would take home the crown. iTitans from the male and female category earned the 3rd runner-up. In contrast, the 2nd runner-up was given to the male candidate of Blazing Biz and the female candidate of Valiant Sabertooth. The screams loudly echoed as the 1st runner-up was given to Mr. Kent Perales from Valiant Sabertooth and Ms. Christine Claire Lacierda for the Blazing Biz. Mr. Anton Arquiza and Ms. Alyeusha Gamale from the Azure Dragons were crowned as Mr. and Miss Panagtigi 2023.
The first day of the Panagtigi 2023 successfully ended, but it was only the beginning. The sports competitions await, and students are driven with power and enthusiasm to support their teams.
