Thomasian scientists shine in SCIlestial pageant’s grand comeback
By: Arvin Dollosa and Jachelle Linantud
The SCIlestial: Search for the Science Ambassador and Ambassadress 2024 pageant made its long-awaited return last Tuesday, March 19, at the UST Education Auditorium as part of the Science Week 2024 celebration. Mr. and Ms. Psychology Jaybee Jordan and Parbhjot Nijjar won the grand titles at the Coronation Night last Friday, March 22, during the Variety Show at the UST Medicine Auditorium.
Nicole Louise S. Golez, the Internal Vice President of the College of Science Student Council formally opened the Gala Night, mentioning how the pageant had been one of the college’s traditions but was halted by the pandemic.
"We are glad to have to bring back this event, a platform for Thomasian Scientists to share and raise awareness for their chosen advocacies," she said.
Three judges, namely, Ms. Karen Frances Beatrice T. Aquino, Science Youth Ambassadress 2019, Atty. Nathan D.L. Agustin, UST-CSC President for A.Y. 2022-2023, and Ms. Eunjung Park, Ms. University of the East 2023, were invited to decide who among the contestants was best fit for the roles of Science Ambassador and Ambassadress.
The contestants were judged based on their advocacies, the question and answer portion, their stage presence, poise and bearing, and audience impact.
Six pairs of candidates from the various departments of the College of Science showcased personal advocacies and campaigns as part of the competition. The candidates' chemistry and poise were also displayed during the casual and formal wear segments.
Science Ambassadress Parbhjot Nijjar looks forward to implementing projects that will increase the participation of women by introducing role models that would further familiarize them with the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
"I felt really honored to become the science ambassadress. It was an ecstatic feeling, especially because I was able to represent my department well," Nijjar stated after winning.
Science Ambassador Jaybee Jordan also shared that he was "very fulfilled, happy, and beyond grateful" and that he represented his department with pride. He further discussed their project proposals and said that plans are being made for the upcoming school year.
"For now, we will gather people for the project and tap on possible partners. I can't wait to spearhead this project soon," Jordan said.
The People's Choice Awards were given to Ms. Chemistry - Sophia Szaki Bonilla, and Mr. Psychology - Jaybee Jordan. The 1st runner-ups were Mr. Environmental Biology - Ken Daryll Mangaliag, Mr. Microbiology - Vince Xavier Salvatierra, and Ms. Applied Physics - Laryssa Li'vienne De Guzman, while the 2nd runner-ups were Mr. Applied Physics - French Tsocheff Festin and Ms. Microbiology - Seira Lavie Marie Santos.
Special awards were given to Mr. Psychology - Jaybee Jordan, and Ms. Chemistry - Sophia Szaki Bonilla, for Best in Opening Production. Mr. and Ms. Photogenic were also awarded to Mr. Environmental Biology - Ken Daryll Mangaliag, and Ms. Data Science and Analytics - Julia Marie San Jose.
