CAGAYAN DE ORO, Misamis Oriental – The Pilgrim Christian College Auditorium transformed into a dazzling stage on the evening of July 19 for the highly anticipated Mr. and Ms. JPIA CDO-MisOr pageant. 

Organized by the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants - Cagayan de Oro - Misamis Oriental Chapter, this prestigious event, themed "Values Above All," highlighted the Chapter’s 2024 Accountancy Week Celebration.

Six esteemed educational institutions – Pilgrim Christian College, Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan, PHINMA – Cagayan de Oro College, Liceo de Cagayan University, Lourdes College, and Capitol University – showcased their brightest talents, with each contestant vying for the coveted titles and embodying the values held dear by the JPIA community.

The distinguished panel of judges included Peter Garcia Jacob and Kelvin Dave Ramos, both Mister International Philippines 2024 titleholders; Josephus Canabuan, National Director Award-winning talent manager; Kenneth Zaldivar, a banking professional and Mr. PICPA 2023 - 2nd Runner Up; Thanie Dehay Maluya, a versatile professional and advocate; and Dr. Lee Tampus Tudio, a renowned aesthetic medicine specialist.

Desiree Joyce Calope, Miss Teen Tourism World 2022, was the charismatic emcee, guiding the audience through the evening's festivities.

A dazzling display of talent and advocacy

The pageant unfolded through captivating segments, including Chapter Shirt, Streetwear, School Uniform, Advocacy Speech, Tuxedo & Long Gown, and the much-anticipated Question and Answer portion. Each segment showed the contestants' diverse skills, personalities, and advocacy commitment.

Pilgrim Christian College emerged as the undisputed star of the night, with their representatives sweeping the top awards. They were crowned Mr. and Ms. JPIA, taking home the Thanieland Real Estate Corp. Choice Award and dominating the minor awards, including Best in Chapter Shirt, Best in Streetwear, Best in School Uniform, Best in Advocacy Speech, Best in Tuxedo and Long Gown, and Ms. Photogenic. Their exceptional performance throughout the competition was a testament to their dedication and talent.

Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan also made a significant mark, securing the Mr. JPIA - 1st Runner-Up and Ms. JPIA - 2nd Runner-Up titles, with their male representative also shining in the Best in Streetwear category. PHINMA – Cagayan de Oro College's male representative claimed the Mr. JPIA - 2nd Runner-Up title and was recognized as Mr. Photogenic, showcasing his charm and stage presence. Lourdes College's female representative was named Ms. JPIA - 1st Runner Up, demonstrating her grace and poise, while their male representative earned the Mr. Congeniality award. Capitol University's representatives also left their mark, with the female contestant receiving the PICPA Choice Award and the Ms. Congeniality Award.

Empowering JPIAns through pageantry

Beyond the glitz and glamour, the Mr. and Ms. JPIA CDO-MisOr pageant celebrated values, advocacy, and the holistic development of young accounting professionals and students. It highlighted the importance of using one's platform to raise awareness and inspire positive change. The event also fostered camaraderie and sportsmanship among the participants, strengthening the bonds within the JPIA community.

A night to remember

The evening was filled with memorable moments, including the ceremonial turnover of the A Century of Philippine Accountancy coffee table book to the PICPA CDO-MisOr Chapter. This gesture symbolized the passing of knowledge and inspiration from seasoned professionals to the next generation of accountants.

During the tuxedo and long gown segment, CCJPIA Officer Mark Salvan Panis treated the audience to a heartwarming serenade. The reigning Ms. JPIA 2023, Ms. Alpha Mae Salarda, shared her inspiring journey, highlighting how the pageant opened doors for her on a national level, further motivating the aspiring contestants.

Adding to the excitement of the evening, the winners were adorned with sashes provided by JM Pageantry Innovations. At the same time, their crowns were generously sponsored by Mrs. International Philippines 2022 Lenlen Henderson and Bella Kim Bright. JosephC Casting Agency, led by its owner/CEO and National Director Joseph Ople Canabuan, also presented the winners with token gift packs.

Distinguished guests and lasting impact

The event was graced by the presence of notable figures in the accounting profession, including the Past National President of PICPA, Dr. Pio D. Baconga, and the Past Chapter Presidents of PICPA CDO-MisOr, Ms. Thelma Repedro and Ms. Earl Marie Magincol and Reginald Bayron. Their attendance underscored the significance of the pageant in fostering camaraderie and professional growth within the JPIA community.

The Mr. and Ms. JPIA CDO-MisOr pageant left a lasting impact on the participants and the entire accounting community. It proved that accounting professionals and students are not just numbers-oriented individuals but also well-rounded individuals with a passion for making a difference. The pageant has set a new standard for excellence and advocacy, inspiring future generations of JPIAns to reach their full potential.