𝗖𝗔𝗦𝗦’𝘀 𝗣𝗮𝘂𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗮 𝗔𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝟭𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿-𝗨𝗽 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝘅. 𝗧𝗦𝗨 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗣𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘁

Report by Leean Margarette Magat and Rainier Acosta | Photo by Leean Margarette Magat

Mx. Paulina Amore of the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) ends the fight with grace, nabbing the 1st Runner-up title in the recently concluded Mx. Tarlac State University (TSU) 2025 held at the Bulwagang Kanlahi last Sunday, April 6, 2025.

Amore, along with Mx. CASS-ELS Mae Ramos Torres and six other contenders representing various TSU colleges, showcased remarkable poise and advocacy throughout the competition. Amore also brought home the major special award Mx. Telegenic, along with several sponsor awards, including Mx. Prima Rosa Bridals, Mx. Papay’s Bakeshop, and Mx. Saka Resort.

In their winning answer in the final segment of the competition, Amore emphasized the importance of inclusive policies and compassion-driven advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ community within the university.

“Discrimination and injustice are very adamant in our university. This is a fact that we cannot doubt but rather focus on progressing initiatives for. As a student leader and someone who advocates for inclusivity, I am a firm believer that knowledge bestows power and kindness inculcates compassion,” they expressed.

“I believe that if we are able to utilize the different technical installations and innovations such as social media, or even encouraging participation in collaborative organizations that focus in this cause, we are not able to foster inclusivity, but also instill the aspect that inclusivity is not just about tolerance, it is about fully accepting identities…,” they added.

Moreover, in an interview, Amore shared their perspective on securing the first runner-up title noting that while some might view it as falling short of victory, they consider it a significant accomplishment, highlighting that their participation was motivated not only by the desire for the title but also by the broader purpose of the event.

"Some people may perceive the first runner-up title as, well, it's so close, it's there, but for me, it's already a big achievement. It's very hard to get there, but at the same time, I'm not just here for the title or the crown. I'm here for the purpose of the pageant.” Mx. Amore stated.

Meanwhile, fellow CASS representative Mx. Mae Ramos Torres concluded her journey prior to the final round but still earned notable recognition, winning Mx. Style and Mx. People’s Choice Award.

TSU - Safe Space Society (SSS), led by President Nixe David Alviar and co-found Mx. Majica, called out for a more progressive acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community, encouraging the university to promote inclusive and gender-sensitive policies, during the Voice for Change segment of the event. Furthermore, Pres. Alviar highlights the new title “Mx. TSU” as an achievement for the community.

Mx. TSU - which was formerly known as Mx. Warrior - held its 6th coronation with the theme, “Luminara: Igniting Gender Diversity, Fueling the Flames of Equality, spearheaded by the TSU-SSC, in collaboration with Safe Space Society and Kaya Natin Youth - TSU.