In the recent celebration of “Buwan ng Wika” last August 2018, Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU)–Nueva Ecija Campus held one of its biggest events to commemorate the observance through the “Ginoo at Binibining Wika 2018”, a pageant that focused on empowering the Filipino language and its usage in the OLFU Community.
Now in its 3rd year, 66 Fatimanians – 35 ladies and 31 gentlemen – underwent a series of screenings before they were trimmed down to 20 pairs of candidates. Then, the top 20 navigated a nerve-racking Question and Answer portion; after which the final eight pairs were officially announced.
Subsequently, eight leading Philippine dialects were assigned to the said finalists to pay tribute to the “Buwan ng Wika” theme: “Filipino: Wika ng Saliksik”. Usage of the Baybayin writing system was also injected during the pageant to raise awareness and interest. This is especially relevant now that OLFU has started teaching the said writing system.
The coronation night happened last August 31, 2018, where the candidates “walked the ramp” in traditional costumes inspired by their assigned dialect; making for a jaw-dropping impact on the audience and judges.
At the end of the night, Shaira Deyn Barcancel from Generic Academic Strand (GAS 12-1) was crowned “Binibining Wika 2018” along with Llyod Erwin Dela Cruz from Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM 12-7) who was crowned as the “Ginoong Wika 2018”. The other winners were as follows:
– “Binibining Luzon” Paula Jane Panganiban (STEM 12 -1)
– “Binibining Visayas” Ma. Chenna Delos Santos (STEM 11-1P)
– “Binibining Mindanao” Kate Kimberly Salvador (ABM 12-4)
– “Ginoong Luzon” Harvey Geraban (STEM 12-1)
– “Ginoong Visayas” Hardon Batacan (STEM 12-1)
– “Ginoong Mindanao” Jan Accel Pagaduan (STEM 12-1P)
The Pageant was made possible through the efforts of the Filipino Department led by Nerizza May Valderama and Joanna Joy Batungbakal, together with the support of the Senior High School Principal, Dr. Corazon Esluzar, and Campus Administrator, Engr. Roel Trinidad.
