by Michel Angelique Ferolino
In a world where preconceived notions about identity and capability still linger, two remarkable individuals from the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) have stepped into the spotlight and made history at the recently concluded Miss Gay Iligan 2024, shattering expectations. While some may hold outdated views, they embraced the challenge and triumphed with grace, talent, and an undeniable sense of self. Their journey is a testament to the power of authenticity, proving that true beauty lies in breaking barriers and redefining norms.
Mary Jane Bendoy: Miss Gay Iligan 2024
Mary Jane Bendoy, crowned Miss Gay Iligan 2024, turned her lifelong dream into reality. A former student of BA English Language Studies, she had to pause her studies for personal reasons. However, her unwavering perseverance and commitment to being a beacon of hope for others led her to the pageant stage, where her story now stands as a symbol of resilience for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Inspired by past queens who weren’t just beautiful but empowered and committed to important causes, Mary Jane always dreamed of joining Miss Gay Iligan. “I’ve always believed in the Miss Gay Iligan brand and the exceptional queens it produces,” she shared. For her, the crown signifies not just personal success but a collective victory for her community.
One reason Mary Jane decided to re-enter the pageant world after a two-year hiatus was to reconnect with something she loved. Working full-time night shifts left her physically and mentally exhausted, and pageantry became a way for her to find joy again. “I spent many lonely nights without colleagues to talk to, which eventually led to depressive episodes,” she revealed.
Despite her love for pageantry, the road to the crown was not easy. Balancing her job with pageant preparations often left her with only 1 to 3 hours of sleep. She also faced financial challenges, having to cover her own expenses for outfits and other necessities. But through determination and self-belief, Mary Jane conquered these obstacles.
Now, as Miss Gay Iligan 2024, she hopes her journey will inspire others, particularly within the LGBTQIA+ community, to embrace their authentic selves. “This crown represents more than victory. It’s a reminder of the power of perseverance, authenticity, and self-love,” she explained. She believes that visibility is essential in opening doors for those who feel unseen.
Jovan Maxwell: Miss Gay Iligan Diyandi Festival 2024
On the other hand, Jovan Maxwell, a third-year BA Sociology student, made a remarkable comeback to claim the Miss Gay Iligan Diyandi Festival 2024 title. “I am actually a comeback queen for Miss Gay Iligan,” she shared. After falling short the previous year, Jovan returned with renewed determination, preparing thoroughly both physically and mentally. She also aimed to challenge conventional beauty standards by proving that being true to oneself is enough to win. “My goal was to inspire others to embrace their uniqueness.”
One of Jovan’s most unforgettable moments during the competition came when she was named a Top 5 finalist. “Standing there, preparing for the final Q&A round, felt like the pinnacle of all my hard work,” she recalled. The support from her team, fellow contestants, and the audience made that moment even more special, filling her with pride and accomplishment.
The journey, however, was not without its difficulties. Juggling academics with pageant responsibilities meant Jovan had no time for formal training. She often doubted herself and faced financial pressures, but her faith and perseverance helped her push through. Despite these obstacles, Jovan’s determination never wavered.
Winning the Miss Gay Iligan Diyandi Festival 2024 title gives Jovan a platform to raise awareness and increase LGBTQIA+ visibility. “I hope my victory inspires others to embrace their identities and fight for true equality,” she said. As an advocate for representation in media, literature, and culture, Jovan wants her journey to remind everyone that they deserve to be seen and celebrated.
Together, Mary Jane and Jovan’s victories send a unified message of hope, reflecting the power of authenticity and the strength of the LGBTQIA+ community. Their journeys, marked by personal challenges and perseverance, demonstrate true beauty lies in embracing one’s uniqueness and overcoming adversity. As they continue to use their platforms to raise awareness and inspire others, they embody the change they wish to see—a world where everyone can be celebrated for who they are, regardless of their identity.
Truly, the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) does not simply cultivate individuals for the stage—it fosters a platform where all identities are embraced and celebrated. The individuals who step onto the stage represent a spectrum of identities, all of whom bring with them the power to inspire, break barriers, and redefine the meaning of beauty and strength. Mary Jane and Jovan are living examples of how CASS supports and embodies authenticity and perseverance, proving that greatness knows no gender.
Mary Jane Bendoy: Miss Gay Iligan 2024
Mary Jane Bendoy, crowned Miss Gay Iligan 2024, turned her lifelong dream into reality. A former student of BA English Language Studies, she had to pause her studies for personal reasons. However, her unwavering perseverance and commitment to being a beacon of hope for others led her to the pageant stage, where her story now stands as a symbol of resilience for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Inspired by past queens who weren’t just beautiful but empowered and committed to important causes, Mary Jane always dreamed of joining Miss Gay Iligan. “I’ve always believed in the Miss Gay Iligan brand and the exceptional queens it produces,” she shared. For her, the crown signifies not just personal success but a collective victory for her community.
One reason Mary Jane decided to re-enter the pageant world after a two-year hiatus was to reconnect with something she loved. Working full-time night shifts left her physically and mentally exhausted, and pageantry became a way for her to find joy again. “I spent many lonely nights without colleagues to talk to, which eventually led to depressive episodes,” she revealed.
Despite her love for pageantry, the road to the crown was not easy. Balancing her job with pageant preparations often left her with only 1 to 3 hours of sleep. She also faced financial challenges, having to cover her own expenses for outfits and other necessities. But through determination and self-belief, Mary Jane conquered these obstacles.
Now, as Miss Gay Iligan 2024, she hopes her journey will inspire others, particularly within the LGBTQIA+ community, to embrace their authentic selves. “This crown represents more than victory. It’s a reminder of the power of perseverance, authenticity, and self-love,” she explained. She believes that visibility is essential in opening doors for those who feel unseen.
Jovan Maxwell: Miss Gay Iligan Diyandi Festival 2024
On the other hand, Jovan Maxwell, a third-year BA Sociology student, made a remarkable comeback to claim the Miss Gay Iligan Diyandi Festival 2024 title. “I am actually a comeback queen for Miss Gay Iligan,” she shared. After falling short the previous year, Jovan returned with renewed determination, preparing thoroughly both physically and mentally. She also aimed to challenge conventional beauty standards by proving that being true to oneself is enough to win. “My goal was to inspire others to embrace their uniqueness.”
One of Jovan’s most unforgettable moments during the competition came when she was named a Top 5 finalist. “Standing there, preparing for the final Q&A round, felt like the pinnacle of all my hard work,” she recalled. The support from her team, fellow contestants, and the audience made that moment even more special, filling her with pride and accomplishment.
The journey, however, was not without its difficulties. Juggling academics with pageant responsibilities meant Jovan had no time for formal training. She often doubted herself and faced financial pressures, but her faith and perseverance helped her push through. Despite these obstacles, Jovan’s determination never wavered.
Winning the Miss Gay Iligan Diyandi Festival 2024 title gives Jovan a platform to raise awareness and increase LGBTQIA+ visibility. “I hope my victory inspires others to embrace their identities and fight for true equality,” she said. As an advocate for representation in media, literature, and culture, Jovan wants her journey to remind everyone that they deserve to be seen and celebrated.
Together, Mary Jane and Jovan’s victories send a unified message of hope, reflecting the power of authenticity and the strength of the LGBTQIA+ community. Their journeys, marked by personal challenges and perseverance, demonstrate true beauty lies in embracing one’s uniqueness and overcoming adversity. As they continue to use their platforms to raise awareness and inspire others, they embody the change they wish to see—a world where everyone can be celebrated for who they are, regardless of their identity.
Truly, the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) does not simply cultivate individuals for the stage—it fosters a platform where all identities are embraced and celebrated. The individuals who step onto the stage represent a spectrum of identities, all of whom bring with them the power to inspire, break barriers, and redefine the meaning of beauty and strength. Mary Jane and Jovan are living examples of how CASS supports and embodies authenticity and perseverance, proving that greatness knows no gender.
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