Nursing Student Reigns as MX. GC PRIDE 2024
OVAL TAPINAC GROUNDS — In the first-day celebration of Gordon College’s Foundation anniversary, Five delegates from the LGBTQ+ community representing their respective colleges were crowned as Queens of the Institution’s first-ever MX. GC Pride 2024 on Tuesday, February 20, 2024.
With reference to the competition’s placements, four candidates were given the title of runner-ups, ranking from 1st-4th:
•Mx. Vench Paje- 1ST RUNNER-UP
•Mx. Josh Allen Bermudez- 2ND RUNNER-UP
•Mx. Joshua Salgado- 3RD RUNNER-UP
•Mx. John Michael Arcelao- 4TH RUNNER-UP
Ultimately, the competition crowned Mx. Albert Panotes, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) student from the College of Allied Health Studies (CAHS), as the winner of Mx. GC Pride 2024.
Beyond the highest title given to Mx. Panotes, she was also awarded Mx. Congeniality, Mx. Beautiful Body, Best in Pride Attire, and Best in Formal Wear.
Amplifying her winning answer on the Q&A portion, Mx. Panotes proudly answered that she must lead by example when asked by the chosen judge regarding her contribution to beautifying the image of the LGBTQ+ community in a world where members struggle to achieve unimpaired acceptance.
“For me, as a student, I know that I don’t have that much resources to contribute to society, but as someone from the medical field, and also as a student leader, I must lead by example. And by that alone, I know that will be the greatest contribution,” she said.
Mx. Panotes elaborated on her answer, believing that we may be informed, empowered, and inclusive by becoming an example to the younger generation and her other transwomen. She also feels that making a difference is far greater than making vital contributions to our society.
Moreover, Mx. Panotes, being the winner of the competition, is expected to represent Pride Week events as well as incoming LGBTQ+ pageants.
: Isiah Aquino | News Correspondent
: Lauren Louise | Photojournalist
: Edward Mari Fordan | Multimedia Artist
: Lance Isaac Leon | Multimedia Editor
