ZOE LIMSON A Crown’s Unceasing Moment

Brilliance, beauty, intelligence, and most of all, a compassionate heart. Confidence is one thing, individuation is another. Pagentries are a common occurrence, yet they still manage to capture the enthusiasm of many crowds. Thousands of young and aspiring women each year flaunt their capabilities to the limit. Competing against one another, all for the goal of taking home a crown. Not just any crown, but one that bears weight as a symbol of triumph and perseverance that holds up to their title. In a bundle of astounding belles, only one can be chosen as the new beauty queen. This world is certainly not an unfamiliar one to Zoe Clarisse Limson of the Grade 12 Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) strand. Her fervor for change and her grace in doing so has touched the hearts of many UNO-Rians. In her latest voyage to larger waters, she has truly showcased her growth and the intensity of the path she has set ablaze because among many others, Limson stood out once again, bagging the title of “Lin-ay sang Cauayan 2023”.

The Cauayan Arts Center was certainly the place to be last January 21, 2023. The program was set about with a contemporary performance with clips highlighting the beauty of Cauayan being played in the background. The municipality’s charm was further emphasized with the arrival of the candidates on stage in their festival costumes. They carried their attires with boldness, exhilarating the crowd and welcoming a rush of electricity around the venue. Limson was candidate number 5, representing the barangays of Talacdan, Molobolo and Mambugsay. Delivering a powerful introduction, she flaunted her outfit as she made her way to the centerstage. The eye-catching appeal of her costume matched the charisma she embodies.

Following the breathtaking showcase of the festival costumes, the venue dimmed as the audience was presented with the candidates’ campaign highlights through a video. With the theme revolving around environmental-care and awareness, all participants presented their advocacies in order. Each one finished after the other but alas, it was finally the turn for candidate number 5. The crowd roared with dedication like no other, asserting the strong support and fondness they had for Limson. The candidate began by expeditiously introducing herself as a HUMSS student at the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos, and as well as the barangays she represented for the pageant. Beginning her campaign, she emphasized the readiness as an advocate for environmental awareness and action for earth-life conservation. Continuing to expound on creating experience with direct involvement in advocacybased initiatives.

“Through this, we will be able to have a growth that is not only sustainable, but is also feasible for us, for our community,” Limson ends as she once again captures the hearts of many among the venue.

As the pageant entered its swimsuit portion, the nine contestants dazzled the stage with their presence. Wearing a uniform swimsuit with matching elegant capes to enhance the refinement of their beauty, all astounding participants walked through the stage with confidence and glamor. Gathering together by the center, the contenders anticipated special citations from the pageant’s corporate sponsors. This segment gave prominence to the epitomized corporate values, mission and vision of the chosen candidates. In a similar fashion to her previous endeavors, the following moment proved to be no surprise. From a total of eight special awards, Limson managed to seize three of those titles being Ms. Aria Beach Resort, Ms. FKC Star Achievers Millionaires Club, and Ms. Marayo Bank Incorporated.

Of course, no pageant is ever complete without the candidates’ displays of skill and talent. The various performances that the ladies showcased in the talent portion had the audience both entertained and enamored. The 9 candidates each presented a diverse list of talents. From a spoken poetry performance to a song and dance number, the contestants have no doubt continued to make the night notable to not only the judges, but also to the people of Cauayan. Limson is never last when it comes to being a charismatic performer. Gracing the stage with a powerful declamation piece, she truly showcased her aptitude for the art of acting and public speaking. She made use of the space, accentuating her showmanship and expertise in characterization. While the crowd immersed themselves with the performer’s “She Will Be Loved” by Maroon 5 cover, the candidates took their final walk. Ambling across the stage, there she appeared with a gold, high-cut dress that reflected in a twinkling fashion. The evening gown that matched her personality in a flawless manner, highlighting her beauty that shined brightly among the swarm of people that night. Surpassing this surreal moment came one of the most anticipated parts of the pageant night, the question & answer portion. Upon being asked “What do you think makes this Lubay-lubay festival different from all other past celebrations?”, she swiftly answered with a response that caused the audience to shout in praise once more.

“First of all, I would like to say something about the issues at hand. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected us, our municipality, our nation. This affected our tourism, our livelihood, and our community in general. What makes this year’s Lubay-lubay festival special is that this is our rise from that fall. This is our embodiment as Cauayanons, that we are resilient, that we stand against strong winds and challenges of life with humility, with strength, and with perseverance to pursue.” Limson’s quick and clever wits secured her place within the top five finalists.

Following the thrilling Q and A portion, the top five finalists were again welcomed on stage. The crowd roared as the ladies made their way back to the spotlight, knowing that only one of them would emerge victorious. Standing with poise and elegance, the candidates smiled ready and hopeful for their triumph to be announced. A silence fell upon the venue as the candidates’ numbers were called. Limson was among the last two candidates, placing her closer to victory. Hands were held together and breaths were held as the words “Lin-ay sang Cauayan 2023” were spoken by the host. The Cauayanons showed their excitement, each yelling out which candidate they wanted to win. What felt like an eternity of waiting was only just a mere few minutes. In the end, Limson had conquered, seizing the title and earning a flourishing victory. She was then crowned by none other than the event’s special guest, the first winning Miss Universe of the Philippines, Gloria Diaz. Along with acquiring the title, out of the four minor awards in the pageant, Limson was able to bring home the Best in Festival Costume, Best in Talent, and Best in Evening Gown.

Within the timeframe of three months, Limson has managed to take hold of three pageant titles in total. Taking place at the UNO-R University Gym last November 15, 2022, she managed to overcome the title of Miss UNO-R 2022, regardless of being the youngest contender among other competing college students of the university. There she also swept the event, proving that her fortitude and potential knows no bounds. Following this victory, she became the university’s representative for Miss Teen NOPSSCEA 2022 last December 14, 2022, taking hold of this pageant competition for its 42nd Season as well. In her every stage, Limson has been consistent with emphasizing her passion to create a platform of opportunities and empowerment to people of any kind.

Zoe Clarrise Limson has spent the last three months further intensifying her calling in the world of pageantry. In her breathtaking successes, it is clear that she is passionate to serve as the voice of change for the youth. Despite undertaking these time-tasking activities, she continues to be an academic role-model to her peers not only within the senior high school department, but along with those outside. At any given moment, no matter which environment, she surely has many wonders to offer. Like the Miss UNO-R 2022 theme advocated for its contenders, she surely has the crown with a heart. A humanista in mind and heart, Limson continues to make her name known and her advocacies heard.