CLAVER, Surigao del Norte - Following a teaser on social media, “Claver’s Nxt Top Model” is ready to push boundaries and go beyond limits as a brand-new segment of the Panaghiusa Festival 2022. It is set to unveil its most diverse and captivating group of models, composed of 20 young men and women from barangays across the town.

Mayor Georgia D. Gokiangkee has expressed support for the festivity. Chairperson and event organizer Joan Esther L. Gogayon, of the Municipal Treasury’s Office, who put in place this year's competition, said that the event will push the boundaries of creativity and cultivate the untouched potential models in Claver. "They only need a door to be opened for them, and this is the right opportunity," she said.

Joining the event are renowned creative director Star Moreno, celebrated designer Domz Ramos, model and mentor Leo De Veyra Miranda, and star maker Jojo Victorio, of Victo Rio Artist and Model Management.

Twenty official candidates, chosen from 60 hopefuls, fought their chances to take center stage in what promises to be the festival’s most exciting event yet. The contestants will bring their distinct look, unique background, and skill in their quest for the title of "Claver’s Nxt Top Model."

The full list of contestants:

Male category (James, Christian, Michael, Marvin, Jayson, Jandell, Kenth, Sonnyboy, Robert, and Neil). Female category (Nicole, Chaim, Charissa, Sheree, Pia, Ellyn, Andrea, Ethel, Rica, and Renalyn).

The spectators will be able to get to know all the 20 contestants and follow on social media and see who will triumph in the challenges, all testing their poise, intelligence, and aptitude for high fashion, runway, commercial, and print modeling. 

The top three winners, each from the male and female category, will receive cash prizes. Consolation prizes will also be given to all participating models. A management contract from Victo Rio Artist and Model Management will be given to the top models. Victo Rio, through its management prerogative, will also give a management contract to a non-winning model who has the potential and is ready to dominate the modeling industry. 

The final show will be held at the Claver Sports Plaza on Sept. 7 at 8 a.m.

The Panaghiusa Festival is held annually in honor of St. Peter Claver and the town’s foundation day. This year, post-pandemic, the festival runs from Aug. 31 to Sept. 13 with a series of big events sponsored by the Local Government of Claver under the leadership of Mayor Georgia Gokiangkee. The Municipality of Claver celebrates its Foundation Day on Sept. 13.

The festival is a way of thanksgiving for the year-long abundance in harvests, people, and faith. Claver is a developed and progressive second-class municipality in the province of Surigao del Norte where its capital assets are its warm and hospitable people. (Contributed by Celmar Galindez)