20/10/2024
Mr and Ms JILCF pre-pageant: More than a crown, a celebration of talent and community
By: Zhard Mercado, Divine Margaret Concepcion & Elijah Arnais
The air at the Old Prayer Garden crackled with excitement on October 17, 2024, as students, faculty, and supporters gathered for the pre-pageant presentation of Mr. and Ms. JILCF.
The event wasnโt just about crowning the next representatives of Jesus Is Lord Colleges Foundationโit was a vibrant display of talent, creativity, and the JILCF spirit.
Participants from both Junior and Senior High School strutted across the stage, eager to showcase their skills during the talent portion of the event. It was clear that the pre-pageant event wasnโt merely a competitionโit was a platform for young JILians to celebrate their uniqueness and step into the spotlight.
Among the crowd, Grade 10 student Reishi Marvielle Solomonโs excitement was evident. She cheered enthusiastically for her classโs representative, Luisa Cassandra Francisco.
โLuisaโs experience and passion make her a strong contender,โ Reishi remarked, proudly supporting her friend and showing the tight-knit sense of community that thrived throughout the event.
But beyond the dazzling performances and the competitive spirit, there was a deeper message at play. For Mr. Limuel Magbanua, a TVL teacher and one of the pageant coaches, the focus was not solely on winning.
โWe encourage our contestants to do their best and enjoy the moment so that theyโll be able to enjoy their journey, gaining confidence, and looking back with no regrets,โ Magbanua said, offering insight into how the event nurtured personal growth.
As cheers erupted for each act, the true highlight of the pre-pageant became evidentโit was a celebration of collective talent and unity. The students on stage were not just vying for a crown, but representing their peers, their grade levels, and the spirit of JILCF. The audience, from friends to teachers, mirrored this unity by showering contestants with unwavering support and encouragement.
With the final crowning of Mr. and Ms. JILCF scheduled for October 28, excitement only continues to build. Yet, for many, the pre-pageant itself already felt like a victory. The event was a reminder that JILCF is more than a schoolโit is a community where talent, confidence, and camaraderie thrive.
